PM Modi and Spanish President Sanchez jointly inaugurated the Tata-Airbus final assembly line for the C-295 aircraft production last month
Marking another milestone in India’s advancing defence capabilities, a cutting-edge C-295 Full Motion Simulator (FMS) at the Air Force Station in Agra began functioning in Agra, Uttar Pradesh earlier this week.
 
This state-of-the-art simulator is designed to elevate pilot training for the Indian Air Force (IAF), significantly enhancing operational readiness and safety while conserving valuable flying hours on the actual aircraft.
 
The newly installed FMS for the C-295 allows IAF pilots to train in a realistic, immersive environment, simulating complex mission scenarios including tactical airlift, para-dropping, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. By enabling pilots to practice high-risk maneuvers and respond to emergency situations in a controlled setting, the simulator reduces the likelihood of operational risks, thus improving flight safety in real-life missions. This capability is crucial for pilots to develop decision-making skills under pressure, preparing them for varied and challenging operational conditions.

The facility was inaugurated by Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Air Command on November 11, 2024.
 
Enhancing India’s Aerospace Self-Reliance
The inauguration of the C-295 simulator comes on the heels of a landmark event in Vadodara, Gujarat, on October 28, 2024, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the Tata-Airbus final assembly line for the C-295 aircraft production. This facility, which will manufacture 40 of the 56 C-295 aircraft ordered by the IAF, marks the first time a private company in India has taken responsibility for the full production cycle of military aircraft.
 
The Vadodara plant will produce aircraft with over 13,000 parts manufactured in India, signalling a monumental shift in India’s defense manufacturing and a step towards self-reliance, or "Atmanirbhar Bharat."
 
The Tata-Airbus collaboration epitomizes India’s “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative, aligning with the government’s broader goals to position India as a global manufacturing hub. Prime Minister Modi praised the project as a symbol of the new work culture emerging in India, one that combines quality and efficiency to attract international partnerships. This initiative is expected to contribute over 4.25 million man-hours to India’s aerospace sector, creating thousands of jobs and spurring growth across local industries, particularly among MSMEs in Gujarat.
 
The C-295 aircraft itself is a tactical airlift powerhouse, known for its capability to operate in rugged environments with short take-off and landing features, even on semi-prepared surfaces. With a capacity to transport up to nine tons of payload or 71 soldiers, the aircraft offers unparalleled versatility, ideal for missions in diverse terrain, including India’s hilly northern borders. The IAF plans to use the C-295 to replace its aging Avro-748 fleet, adding a modern, reliable, and indigenous alternative to its transport capabilities.
 
The FMS in Agra will play a key role in training pilots for these aircraft, allowing them to experience a wide range of mission profiles and practice critical emergency procedures without putting the aircraft or crew at risk. The simulator not only saves fuel costs but also extends the life of the aircraft by reducing wear and tear from training hours, making it a highly economical and efficient training tool.
 
India’s defence sector has been undergoing transformative reforms, including the expansion of private-sector involvement in defence manufacturing and the establishment of defence corridors. The Tata-Airbus facility is the latest addition to this ecosystem, following the recent approval for Medium-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft (MRMRA) for the Indian Navy and six Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft (MMMA) for the Coast Guard, both based on the C-295 platform.
 
The partnership with Airbus, alongside continued investments in defence innovation, places India on a promising trajectory. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the Vadodara facility as a historic step, remarking that it has bolstered India’s status as a credible defence manufacturer. By integrating domestic production across the supply chain—from component manufacturing to assembly and lifecycle management.
 
Strengthening India-Spain Defense Collaboration
The Tata-Airbus facility has also elevated India-Spain relations, showcasing the potential for further collaboration in aerospace and defence. During the Vadodara inauguration, Spanish President Sanchez commended Tata as a “giant among giants,” emphasizing Spain’s commitment to partnering with India in its aerospace journey. This collaboration is anticipated to encourage other European enterprises to explore investment opportunities in India’s burgeoning defence and aerospace sectors.
 
Prime Minister Modi highlighted this partnership as a new chapter in the India-Spain relationship, fostering not only bilateral cooperation but also strengthening India’s position as a trusted global partner in defense manufacturing.
 
The inauguration of the C-295 simulator facility at Agra aligns with India’s defence priorities, particularly in enhancing pilot proficiency and mission readiness. With the first batch of “Made-in-India” C-295 aircraft expected to roll out by 2026, the simulator will ensure that IAF pilots are thoroughly prepared to operate these sophisticated aircraft.