Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez showcased a grand roadshow in Vadodara, Gujarat, on Monday, traveling in an open jeep to greet crowds lining the 2.5-km route from the airport to the Tata Advanced Systems facility. Along the way, they were welcomed with cultural performances highlighting India’s rich heritage.
Their visit marks the inauguration of the Tata Advanced Systems complex, which will be the first private-sector final assembly line (FAL) for military aircraft in India. The Vadodara facility, in collaboration with Airbus, will manufacture 40 C-295 aircraft, while 16 additional units will be delivered directly by Airbus. This initiative represents a milestone in India’s defence manufacturing capabilities, establishing a comprehensive ecosystem involving manufacturing, assembly, testing, delivery, and lifecycle maintenance.
The program also includes contributions from Bharat Electronics, Bharat Dynamics, and numerous private MSMEs, emphasizing collaboration between public and private sectors to strengthen India’s defence infrastructure. After the inauguration, Modi and Sanchez will convene for a bilateral meeting at the historic Laxmi Vilas Palace.
