‘Watershed moment’: PM Modi hails launch of Vadodara aircraft manufacturing unit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Oct 30 said that the recent inauguration of the C-295 aircraft manufacturing unit in Vadodara was a watershed moment for India's defense and aerospace journey.

Pertinently, the Tata-Airbus facility is the first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft in India.

Modi, along with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez, inaugurated the Tata Advanced System Limited (TASL)-Airbus facility on Oct 28. It will manufacture C-295 military aircraft in India.

In a post on LinkedIn, Modi said that the speed of execution of the manufacturing complex is breathtaking.

“The speed of execution is breathtaking — from foundation stone to operational facility in just two years! This is a clear manifestation of a new work culture and the capabilities of the people of India,” he wrote.

He said that in 2023-23, defense production has soared to ₹1.27 lakh crore and defense exports have skyrocketed from ₹1,000 crore in 2014 to ₹21,000 crore in 2024.

Modi pointed out that over 12,300 items have been indigenized in just 3 years and over ₹7,500 crore has been invested in domestic vendors by Defence Public Sector Undertakings.

Hailing the defense sector he said, “Our complete defense ecosystem is being transformed with indigenous warships patrolling our waters, made-in-India missiles strengthening our deterrence, and domestically produced bulletproof jackets protecting our soldiers.”

"India is becoming Aatmanirbhar in defense and is also working to be a top-of-the-line defense equipment manufacturer," he wrote.

Crediting the strengths and skills of "Yuva Shakti" and the efforts of his government, Modi said, “We are now seeing reduced import dependency, job creation across the defense manufacturing sector, skill development for our youth and MSMEs getting a boost in the defense sector.”

"From a time when our forces faced critical equipment shortages to today's era of self-reliance - this is a journey that every Indian can be proud of," he added.

He also urged the youth, startups, manufacturers, and innovators to look for opportunities in India's defense sector.

"This is your moment to be part of history. India needs your expertise and enthusiasm. The doors are open for innovation, the policies are supportive, and the opportunity is unprecedented. Together, we will make India not just Aatmanirbhar in defense but a global leader in defense manufacturing," he said.

"Together, let's build a stronger, self-reliant Bharat!" he added.