First made-in-India C-295 carries out maiden test flight
Why in news: The Indian Air Force (IAF) announced the successful maiden test flight of the first domestically produced C-295 military transport aircraft, a milestone for India's indigenous aerospace capabilities.
The IAF is procuring a total of 56 C-295 aircraft. The production involves a partnership where 40 aircraft are being assembled by Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus at a facility in Vadodara.
Prelims pointers (4)
- S&TC-295: A military transport aircraft being manufactured in India.
- FactTotal procurement of C-295 aircraft by the IAF: 56 units.
- PostTata Advanced Systems Limited and Airbus are the entities assembling the aircraft in Vadodara.
- PlaceVadodara: Location of the production facility for the C-295 aircraft.
Mains angle
Q. Discuss how the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative in the aerospace sector addresses India's strategic autonomy and promotes domestic industrial growth.
- Supply chain integration: Leveraging global partnerships with Airbus while scaling domestic assembly capabilities
- Strategic autonomy: Reducing reliance on foreign OEMs for critical military transport infrastructure
- Industrial cluster development: Strengthening the aerospace manufacturing ecosystem in Gujarat
Keywords: Atmanirbhar Bharat · Strategic Autonomy · Aerospace Manufacturing · Defense Indigenization · Joint Ventures