Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the opening of the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara, describing it as a significant achievement for India’s defense and aerospace sectors. This facility, created through a partnership between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus, marks the establishment of the first private final assembly line for military aircraft in the country.
During the inauguration ceremony on Monday, which was attended by Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, PM Modi highlighted the project’s impressive speed. In a LinkedIn post on Wednesday, he stated, “The pace of execution is astonishing—from the laying of the foundation to a functioning facility in just two years! This showcases a new work culture and the skills of the Indian workforce.”
PM Modi provided insights into the thriving defense sector, noting that defense production escalated to approximately $15.4 billion in 2023-24, with exports skyrocketing from $120 million in 2014 to around $2.5 billion this year. He pointed out that more than 12,300 items have been indigenized within three years and emphasized an investment exceeding $900 million in local vendors by Defence Public Sector Undertakings.
The Prime Minister outlined a thorough transformation of India’s defense landscape, stating, “Our entire defense ecosystem is evolving, with indigenous warships securing our waters, domestically manufactured missiles enhancing our deterrence, and locally produced bulletproof vests safeguarding our troops.” He reiterated India’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in defense and aspiring to become a prominent global manufacturer of defense equipment.
PM Modi credited this advancement to the talents of the “Yuva Shakti” (youth power) and his government’s initiatives, which have helped lower import dependence, generate jobs in defense manufacturing, and foster skill development among the youth. He urged startups, manufacturers, and innovators to embrace the opportunities present in India’s defense industry, asserting, “This is your chance to be part of history. India requires your skills and passion. The avenues for innovation are open, policies are favorable, and the potential is extraordinary.”
