Airbus Defence and Space in India

C295 in Vadodara, India

Advancing Defence and Space in India

The Airbus Defence and Space comprises Military Aircraft, Space Systems, and Connected Intelligence. Airbus is actively supporting India’s military modernisation as well as the nation’s endeavours to develop the defence manufacturing ecosystem.

India FAL C295

C295 'Make in India' Programme

Airbus, in partnership with the Tata Group, is bringing the C295 ‘Make in India’ programme to the country, marking a milestone in its defence manufacturing. On October 28, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish President Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vadodara, Gujarat. The C295 FAL is contributing to the development of a world-class aerospace industrial ecosystem in India, with the implementation of the complete supply chain from detailed parts to the Main Component Assembly and FAL. The C295 programme is the most visible success of the ‘Make in India’ programme of the Government of India. 

Airbus has also offered the advanced A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) to meet the IAF’s strategic needs, reinforcing its role as a reliable partner for India’s armed forces.

 

Airbus and ISRO: A Stellar Collaboration

Airbus has a long-standing partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and its commercial arm, Antrix/NewSpace India Ltd. Together, we designed and built communication satellites Eutelsat W2M (2008) and HYLAS-1 (2010) for European customers. ISRO’s PSLV has also launched Airbus’ Earth observation satellites SPOT-6 and SPOT-7, along with three SSTL-built DMC satellites: Carbonite, Telesat, and Novasar.

Airbus products are contributing to key communication, navigation, and Earth observation missions, while Connected Intelligence services, like high-resolution imagery, are supporting the Indian government agencies. Airbus has also built ISRO’s world-largest compact antenna test range in Bengaluru and is collaborating on the TRISHNA climate satellite with CNES and ISRO. Airbus remains committed to expanding collaborations with India’s Department of Space and private industry.