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UNITED KINGDOM AND NATO
26 Oct 24. MoD denies Tempest jet project cuts amid £160m underspend. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently clarified that a £160 m reduction in projected in-year expenditure for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is not a reflection of scaling back military capability or commitment to the programme.
Responding to parliamentary queries from Conservative MP James Cartlidge, Defence Minister Maria Eagle explained that the underspend results from various factors, including shifts in accounting treatment and early progress on the combat aircraft demonstrator project.
“The reduced in year expenditure is not a result of changes to the military capability being developed by the FCAS/GCAP programme,” Eagle stated. “It is a combination of an accounting treatment change, work on the combat aircraft demonstrator project that was carried out ahead of schedule in the previous financial year and revised plans for the delivery of infrastructure and other programme enablers.”
The clarification came after Cartlidge questioned whether the MoD’s reduction signalled a downgrading of the ambitious project at a time when defence budgets are under close scrutiny. The Ministry previously indicated that while the initial budget for this financial year was set at £1.46bn, adjustments were made to £1.3bn in response to updated industry timelines and financial processes. This recalibration, according to MoD sources, was primarily based on industry-revised estimates of programme activity, not on a reduction in commitment or long-term funding.
Critics, however, argue that even perceived reductions in budget allocations could impact the UK’s standing with its allies, particularly in defence manufacturing collaborations. Cartlidge, who labelled the move as a “cut,” highlighted the potential for mixed signals to adversaries regarding the UK’s defence priorities.
Yet, MoD officials have maintained that the adjustments are consistent with typical project cycles and reflect an approach that allows for resource reallocation in line with project advancements and actual industry timelines.
Furthermore, the current budget still accounts for the programme’s extensive goals, which encompass developing next-generation air combat capabilities. “At the start of this financial year, it was expected that the Ministry of Defence would spend up to ~£1.46 bn on FCAS/GCAP. The forecast was reduced to £1.3bn due to revised estimates of programme activity from industry throughout the year,” noted Eagle in her response.
The MoD has also highlighted the importance of the broader FCAS/GCAP initiative for the UK’s future military capability, explaining that project timelines, fiscal oversight, and reallocation practices are carefully aligned to ensure progress without compromising capability.
Notably, the programme is expected to see further investment and phases of development in the coming years.
What is Tempest?
The Tempest/Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a collaborative project between the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy, aimed at developing a sixth-generation stealth fighter. This aircraft is intended to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon for the Royal Air Force and Italian Air Force, as well as the Mitsubishi F-2 for Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force.
The joint programme began in December 2022, merging separate initiatives from the UK, Italy, and Japan into a single development effort for the new fighter jet.
The UK has already made significant strides in the development of GCAP, with initial test flights conducted on simulators and progress reported on key technologies like stealth features and weapon bay integration. Rolls-Royce is heavily involved in the engine development, working alongside Italian and Japanese companies to ensure compatibility and innovation in the propulsion systems.
The demonstrator aircraft, featuring advanced avionic systems, is expected to showcase cutting-edge capabilities by 2027.
While the focus of GCAP is on the fighter jet itself, future developments could include unmanned systems and other assets to support the aircraft in a “system of systems” approach. However, unlike similar programmes in Europe, GCAP remains focused primarily on the development of the fighter, leaving broader air combat capabilities as potential future projects. (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
EUROPE
31 Oct 24. Turkey set to conclude Eurofighter aircraft negotiations soon. Turkey is on the brink of finalizing negotiations for the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, according to a report by Habertürk, citing sources within the Turkish Ministry of National Defense. Ongoing discussions involve Great Britain and representatives from the consortium that produces the Eurofighter. One source expressed optimism about achieving positive outcomes in the near future.
In addition to the Eurofighter talks, Turkey continues its technical discussions with American authorities regarding the procurement of F-16 fighter jets. The Turkish Ministry of Defense has confirmed that the first payment related to this agreement has already been made. Back in October 2021, Turkey requested 40 new F-16 Block 70 aircraft and 79 kits to upgrade its existing fleet to the Block 70 standard.
For years, Turkey has aimed to modernize its air force, initially setting its sights on acquiring F-35 fighter jets from the United States. However, this plan changed dramatically in 2019 when the U.S. expelled Turkey from the F-35 program due to Ankara’s decision to purchase the Russian S-400 air defense system. This move raised concerns about compatibility with NATO standards and posed potential security risks. Consequently, Turkey was left seeking alternative solutions to enhance its aerial capabilities.
With the F-35 option off the table, Turkey shifted its focus to the Eurofighter Typhoon, a fourth-generation fighter jet that is already in service with several NATO countries. The Typhoon, developed by a European consortium, emerged as a viable alternative, boasting significant combat capabilities and compatibility with NATO’s existing infrastructure. This pivot signifies a critical juncture in Turkey’s military strategy, showcasing its determination to avoid technological isolation and secure modern combat capabilities through European collaboration.
As negotiations advance, Turkey is optimistic about securing a deal for the Eurofighter Typhoon, which would serve to fill the gap left by the F-35 and bolster its regional defense capabilities. The anticipated agreement would not only support Turkey’s air force modernization efforts but also affirm its strategic role within NATO, despite facing numerous challenges and sanctions in acquiring new fighter jets.
The Eurofighter Typhoon is a versatile fourth-generation multirole fighter aircraft produced by a consortium consisting of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Its design features advanced aerodynamics and composite materials, resulting in a robust yet lightweight frame that enhances durability and operational performance.
Equipped with two Eurojet EJ200 turbofan engines, the Typhoon offers exceptional agility and rapid acceleration, reaching speeds of up to Mach 2. Its operational range extends to approximately 1,800 miles [2,900 km] without requiring midair refueling, allowing for versatile deployment options, including takeoffs and landings on short runways.
The aircraft’s avionics architecture utilizes an open-system format, facilitating easy upgrades and integration of new technologies. Among its key features is the versatile Captor-M radar system, which enables the detection, tracking, and targeting of both air and ground threats. Advanced models include the Captor-E radar, which employs active electronically scanned array [AESA] technology, enhancing both accuracy and operational range. This cutting-edge radar can track up to 20 targets simultaneously and functions effectively in challenging weather conditions. The Defensive Aids Sub System [DASS] includes missile detection countermeasures, infrared search and track [IRST] systems, and electronic warfare capabilities for jamming and intelligence gathering.
For combat operations, the Typhoon is armed with a wide array of weaponry suitable for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. In air-to-air engagements, it can deploy long-range MBDA Meteor missiles, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, and IRIS-T missiles for close-quarters combat. For air-to-ground missions, it utilizes Brimstone and Storm Shadow missiles, in addition to laser-guided bombs like the Paveway IV and GBU-24. A 27-mm Mauser BK-27 cannon is also mounted on the left side of the fuselage, and the aircraft’s weapon control systems are fully integrated, featuring digital controls for streamlined operation.
The Typhoon’s flight control systems are backed by advanced computer technology and sensors, which enhance navigation and facilitate real-time communication with allied forces. Pilots benefit from a Helmet Mounted Display System [HMDS], allowing them to access critical data and target weaponry simply by moving their heads. Additionally, the aircraft boasts a quadruple-redundant fly-by-wire [FBW] control system, which significantly improves stability and control during complex maneuvers, thus ensuring pilot safety and enhancing operational precision.
As Turkey moves closer to concluding negotiations for the Eurofighter Typhoon, this acquisition could not only elevate its military capabilities but also reaffirm its commitment to participating actively in NATO’s collective defense efforts. Such advancements underscore Turkey’s strategic resolve to maintain a modern air force amidst evolving geopolitical challenges, demonstrating its role as a pivotal player in regional security dynamics.
An interesting aspect to note is the growing trend among various nations to diversify their military procurements and strengthen defense partnerships in response to shifting global threats. This approach emphasizes the importance of flexibility and innovation in defense strategies, particularly for countries like Turkey that are navigating complex international relationships. (Source: News Now/https://bulgarianmilitary.com/)
25 Oct 24. France, Germany to hammer out next steps for delay-prone FCAS warplane. France, Germany and Spain will refine the scope of their future sixth-generation fighter jet and its associated combat systems at a summit in December, before the joint project moves to the demonstrator phase, the head of the French armaments office said.
France has included funding for the second phase of the Future Combat Air System in its 2025 defense budget, Emmanuel Chiva, the head of the General Directorate for Armament, told lawmakers in the National Assembly’s defense on Wednesday, though he hinted at possible delays for the program.
“I can’t guarantee that this date will be met, as it will depend in particular on the electoral deadlines of certain state partners,” Chiva said. Program partner Germany is scheduled to hold federal elections in September next year.
FCAS has previously seen negotiations on Phase 1B of the program drag on for most of 2022 due to squabbling between Dassault Aviation and Airbus, two of the three main partners. Dassault Aviation makes the Rafale fighter in use with the French Air and Space Force, while Airbus builds the Eurofighter that equips the German Air Force.
The French armaments directorate said last year it expected Phase 2 to start early 2026. Dassault Aviation represents France in the FCAS program, while Airbus represents Germany, with Indra the Spanish partner.
French doctrine requires the future fighter to be able to carry nuclear weapons as part of the country’s deterrence program, as well as be able to operate from an aircraft carrier, and have export potential, Chiva said.
France earlier this month kicked of development of the future F5 standard for the Rafale fighter, which includes an air-combat drone that will serve as an uncrewed wingman, and capability to carry the future hypersonic nuclear missile SNA4G.
“Today, the FCAS is an object that has yet to be defined,” Chiva said. “In any case, there will be a successor to the Rafale F5, since our deterrence needs and those of the new airborne component, the SNA4G, will have to be taken into account.”
The French-German project to develop a future land combat system based around a main battle tank, called the Main Combat Ground System, is also facing some delays, according to Chiva.
Setting up the joint project company between KNDS Germany, KNDS France, Rheinmetall and Thales “is taking a bit of time,” Chiva said. That means the first development orders, which had been expected early 2025, will “no doubt” be later next year, according to the directorate head, who didn’t say what is causing the delay.
Meanwhile, France is willing to act as a backstop for shipbuilder Naval Group that would allow the company to target export markets with its defense and intervention frigate, Chiva said. The directorate is working on a “bare hull” strategy that would allow Naval Group to keep its workforce at its yards in Lorient occupied by building two frigates a year there, when France would be happy with one frigate a year.
“We’re ready to work with the manufacturer, for example, to bring forward the order of certain frigates for France, betting on export, and thinking that these frigates can be delivered to the various countries that are interested today,” Chiva said.
The French Navy is scheduled to take delivery of the first defense and intervention frigate, the Amiral Ronarc’h, in 2025, with hulls 2 to 5 following in 2027, 2028, 2031 and 2032, respectively.
France is currently in the process of negotiating the price tag for its future aircraft carrier with Naval Group, Chantiers de l’Atlantique and TechnicAtome, though Armed Forces Minister Sebastian Lecornu has already said the future carrier will be in the €10 bn euro range. The armament directorate expects to order the next-generation ship toward the end of 2025.
The current carrier Charles de Gaulle is scheduled for a major overhaul in 2027-2028, and France will use the maintenance stop to inspect the nuclear-propulsion boilers. The Navy will also study at that time whether it would be possible to prolong the life of the vessel beyond 2038, should that be necessary due to some setback with the future carrier project, according to Chiva. (Source: glstrade.com/Defense News)
USA
31 Oct 24. The United States Navy has announced a service extension for twelve Arleigh Burke-class Flight I destroyers, pushing them beyond their anticipated 35-year service life. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro shared the decision on October 31, describing it as part of the Navy’s strategy to keep “more ready players on the field.” Following a thorough review of each destroyer’s hull condition, combat capabilities, and maintenance needs, the Navy determined these vessels could continue in service, collectively adding 48 ship-years from 2028 to 2035. This extension reflects the Navy’s confidence in the Arleigh Burke class as a versatile and robust asset, particularly given its operational resilience in contested areas like the Red Sea.
“Extending these highly capable, well-maintained destroyers will further bolster our numbers as new construction warships join the Fleet,” Del Toro noted. “It also speaks to their enduring role in projecting power globally.” Funding for these extensions is included in the fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, aligning with the Navy’s broader shipbuilding strategy to maintain force readiness. Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations, supported the decision as part of the Navy’s NAVPLAN, stating, “Today’s budget constrained environment requires the Navy to make prioritised investments to keep more ready players on the field.” (Source: News Now/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/)
31 Oct 24. Pentagon rolls out JWCC cloud accelerator initiative. The US Department of Defense (DoD) directorate, tasked with executing the Pentagon’s Joint Warfighting Cloud Capability (JWCC), is initiating a cloud accelerator initiative, designed to rapidly introduce secure commercial cloud services to the US armed forces down to the tactical level.
Announced in December 2022, the JWCC was designed to “provide the DoD the opportunity to acquire commercial cloud capabilities and services directly from” cloud service providers (CSPs) to facilitate global accessibility to cloud-based capabilities through a centrally managed data distribution process and allow secure network access via tactical edge devices. The JWCC was developed after Pentagon officials scrapped the controversial Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) cloud computing programme in July 2021.
Two years into the JWCC programme, which has cost the Pentagon roughly USD9 billion thus far, officials from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) have partnered with CSPs at Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Oracle, JWCC Program Manager Alee Long said. Those partnerships have allowed the US DoD to have “a direct relationship with those CSPs, [and] we are able to bring to our DoD partners the same commercial [services] but in a secure, sovereign cloud” network, Long said during a 24 October briefing.
DoD officials have also pushed commercial CSPs to provide “tactical edge offerings”, such as secure end-user devices and data centres, to the US armed forces, she explained. Getting those services down to the battlefield with low latency or network interference has been a key priority for newly minted DISA Director US Army Lieutenant General Paul Stanton, who took command of DISA in October. (Source: Janes)
29 Oct 24. Cuashub.com said today that the USAF seeks air launched Counter UAS solutions. The United States Air Force (USAF) released a Request For Information (RFI) on October 24 for Low Collateral Effects Interceptor (LCEI) technologies capable of combatting Group 1 and 2 sUAS threats. Led by the Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems branch within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, the RFI outlines that the LCEI must be a flight-tested autonomous aircraft with hard kill capabilities. Although initially only for planning purposes, the information garnered might subsequently be used to inform future USAF acquisition strategy and solicitation.
The focus on LCEIs represents a continuation of Pentagon strategy that places the technologies at the heart of the United States’ layered C-UAS capabilities. This started in 2021, with LCEIs the focal point of the first C-UAS technology demonstration at the Yuma Proving Ground in 2021 hosted by the USAF, the Joint Counter-sUAS Office and the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
The initial testing in 2021 successfully demonstrated the capacity of LCEIs developed by Xtend, Aurora Flight Sciences & ELTA North America to carry out C-sUAS mission objectives while minimizing collateral damage. As Major General Sean Gainey, then Director of the JCO stated at the time: “By focusing the first event on low collateral effects interceptors, we are addressing a key challenge when operating in complex urban environments, around sensitive sites, or in situations where the rules of engagement limits kinetic capabilities.”
LCEI’s ability to interdict hostile sUAS while minimizing collateral damage provides the user with far greater operational flexibility and increased confidence in autonomous operation. Their employment also reduces the risk that the slower speed of traditional kinetic countermeasures could be exploited by hostile forces deploying swarms of smaller and autonomous drones that are also immune from EW countermeasures.
The USAF has also developed its own LCEI, with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Paladin System due to enter operational assessment in FY25. The latest RFI demonstrates the vital role LCEIs will continue to play as the U.S bolsters its C-UAS capabilities.
https://cuashub.com/en/content/us-air-force-seeks-air-launched-counter-uas-solutions/ (Source: https://cuashub.com/)
25 Oct 24. US Air Force seeks low collateral effects interceptor to counter small drones. The United States Air Force (USAF) Counter small-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) branch is requesting information regarding Low Collateral Effects Interceptor (LCEI) technologies related to countering the threat from small drones (Groups 1 and 2). The Request for Information states that the LCEI should be autonomous aircraft with hard kill systems effective against Groups 1 and 2 uncrewed aerial systems. All interceptor systems must be hosted on air vehicles that can be determined to be air-worthy by the government. The air vehicle must be based on or derived from US components and electronics and must have sufficient flight hours and reliability data. Responses to the request are invited by November 25, 2024. (Source: www.unmannedairspace.info)
24 Oct 24. Northrop expects next B-21 contract by year’s end. The Air Force is likely to award Northrop Grumman a second low-rate initial production contract to build the B-21 Raider by the end of the year, company officials said Thursday. In an earnings call with investors, Northrop chief executive Kathy Warden said ground and flight testing of the Air Force’s next stealth bomber is on track, and work on the first production B-21s is proceeding as planned.
The Pentagon cleared the B-21 for its first phase of production in fall 2023. Northrop expects follow-on annual LRIP awards, Warden said, “and this is the time of year when that happens.”
The B-21 — which Northrop Grumman has touted as the world’s first sixth-generation aircraft due to its improved stealth, use of open systems architecture and advanced data sharing capabilities — is expected to enter service later this decade, and will replace the aging B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers sometime in the 2030s.
The Air Force plans to field a fleet of at least 100 B-21s.
And as the service rethinks its overall approach to fighting a future air war, it could become clear whether more B-21s are in the cards, Warden said.
The Air Force this summer balked at potentially severe price tags for its proposed Next Generation Air Dominance platform, and began reconsidering what mix of air dominance assets it needs to fight and win a war against an advanced adversary.
As that force structure review wraps up in the next few months, Northrop Grumman may get a better picture on how many B-21s the Air Force will likely buy, Warden said.
Northrop expects volume on the B-21′s low-rate initial production to increase in the fourth quarter, which will help drive the company’s sales.
But the B-21′s financial road has been rocky so far for Northrop. In the fourth quarter of 2023, Northrop reported a nearly $1.6 bn charge on the B-21, which the company attributed to rising production costs and macroeconomic disruptions.
Northrop officials have also cautioned investors that the bomber will lose money at first, though the company expects that to turn around.
Warden told investors that Northrop is able to absorb those early headwinds on the B-21.
“While the B-21 is a key program in our company, it is not the majority of [aeronautics] sales,” Warden said.
The B-21 team is taking steps to bring down cost and improve productivity, Warden added, including refining training methods to quickly bring new factory employees up to speed. That new training has also benefited other, more mature Northrop programs, she said.
The B-21′s LRIP phase is expected to include five lots, and will run roughly through the end of the decade. (Source: C4ISR & Networks)
REST OF THE WORLD
30 Oct 24. South Korea eyes pathway for AUKUS Pillar II with new defense tech agreement. The defense ministers for the US and South Korea today announced a new joint defense science and technology executive committee, one that expressly will consider options for Seoul’s participation in AUKUS Pillar II.
“Based on the defense vision of the alliance, we plan to establish a vice-minister level defense science and technology executive committee within this year to explore the application of cutting-edge science and technology in the defense sector, as well as cooperation on AUKUS Pillar II,” Kim Yong Hyun, the minister from South Korea, said during comments at the Pentagon.
Kim’s announcement came on the heels of the US-Republic of Korea security consultative meeting today that included US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Tomorrow, the duo will join Secretary of State Antony Blinken and ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Tae-yul for a 2+2 meeting.
While North Korea’s deployment of upwards of 10,000 troops to Russia is a hot-button topic for the two nations this week, the Pentagon announced beforehand that the S&T expansion will remain a focal area, particularly in the areas of autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and quantum technologies.
That fits in nicely with the six technology areas identified as priorities for Pillar II: undersea, quantum, artificial intelligence and autonomy, cyber, hypersonic work, and electronic warfare. While US officials said in September that they are open to other areas of opportunities, the goal is to keep the focus on those areas as much as possible.
Ever since the creation of AUKUS, there has been a question of whether other nations would be allowed to join the tripartite agreement. Officials have made a delineation: Pillar I, which is focused on nuclear submarine technology and tighter military alliances between the US, UK and Australia, is closed. But Pillar II would offer opportunities for other countries to get involved.
That has led to some confusion about whether outside countries can “join” Pillar II. Inside the Pentagon, at least, the issue is viewed less as one of other nations “joining” and more about allowing outside parties to work on technological efforts the three core AUKUS nations are developing.
Speaking to Breaking Defense in August, Richard Marles, Australia’s defense minister, said that while he expects Pillar II to “grow,” the focus has to be on making sure “we get Pillar II into a place where there is something to, kind of, offer.
“I think what’s really important is that we get this better down amongst the three of us first, so that we really know what the architecture of our collaboration looks like, and what the specific projects are,” he said.
The first country to be formally tied to Pillar II was Japan, in an April announcement that the AUKUS nations are “considering cooperation with Japan on AUKUS Pillar II advanced capability projects.” (As an example of the confusion about how Pillar II works, that statement was followed almost immediately by a statement by Australia’s prime minister that “What is not proposed is to expand the membership of AUKUS.”)
Officials in New Zealand have had preliminary talks with Australian counterparts about participation in Pillar II, New Zealand’s defense minister told Breaking Defense earlier this year. And there have been calls for Canada to take part as well. (Given New Zealand and Canada are the two non-AUKUS members of the 5 Eyes intelligence sharing network, they both have close connections to the AUKUS partners.)
(Source: glstrade.com/Breaking Defense.com)
28 Oct 24. Financing becomes a hurdle in Argentina’s quest for new submarines. The Argentine government is moving closer to buying new submarines, eying the acquisition of three Scorpene boats from France’s Naval Group that could cost $2bn, according to military sources in Buenos Aires.
The latest development in the procurement saga is that a Letter of Intention (LoI) was expected to be signed by middle of October, but negotiations over the financial details are taking more time, these sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive deliberations.
While France is willing to grant favorable credit conditions, Argentina is having trouble satisfying loan guarantees demanded by banks involved in the deal due to the country’s troubled financial history, according to the sources.
The effort to buy new boats is driven by the fact that the Argentine Navy has virtually no serviceable submarine today. ARA San Juan, one of its two TR-1700 type boats built in Germany in the 1980s, was lost in South Atlantic waters near Cape Horn in November 2017. Meanwhile, refitting and upgrade work on sister ship ARA Santa Cruz, which started in 2016, has been suspended since 2020 and is now virtually cancelled.
ARA Salta, an aging German-built Type 209, remains in service only as a platform for basic training, as she boat cannot dive. For more advance specialist training Argentine crews are being currently sent to spend time with the Peruvian Navy.
Vicente García, an independent security and defense analyst based in Montevideo, Uruguay, says the Argentine sea service needs new submarines “without any doubt.” But the government should be mindful of cost, considering that the other military services also have modernization requirements, he added.
In that context, García said, an initial buy of pre-owned boats would make more sense.
Administrative reductions and cuts in social services pushed by President Javier Milei have yet to prove that they can grow the country’s fiscal liquidity, García added.
“Argentina’s country risk assessment remains high and with between 53% and 57% of the population under the line of poverty, there is a potential for social convulsion and political instability, which can lead to a deterioration of the economy.”
As F-16 fighter jets and P-3C maritime patrol aircraft have been recently acquired second-hand from Denmark and Norway, for the Air Force and Navy, respectively, the modernization of the fleet of TAM medium tanks of the Army has also gained momentum this year.
Besides submarines, the current shopping list also includes frigates for the Navy, wheeled armored vehicles for the Army, helicopters for the three services, and a new standard assault rifle. (Source: Defense News)
28 Oct 24. Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus inaugurate C295 Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, India. As a major milestone for India’s Aerospace & Defence industry, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Airbus inaugurated the Final Assembly Line (FAL) complex for the Airbus C295 aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat in India. TASL and Airbus are partnering for the pioneering ‘Make in India’ project to deliver 56 C295 aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The state-of-the-art facility was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Shri. Narendra Modi and the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón in the presence of N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.
Providing a major boost to the Government of India’s ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) programme, this is the first instance of the private sector setting up an aircraft FAL in India. The inauguration comes three years after the IAF formalised the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace their legacy AVRO fleet. As per the contract, 40 units will be manufactured and assembled in partnership with TASL at this FAL, while 16 will be delivered to the IAF in ‘fly-away’ condition from Airbus’ final assembly line in Seville, Spain. To date, a total of six aircraft have already been delivered.
- Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, said, “The Tata Group is very proud in setting up this advanced facility which will manufacture the nation’s first private defence aircraft from the ground up. It will significantly enhance both defence and advance manufacturing capabilities. I am thankful to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón and the distinguished guests for joining us at this momentous occasion in India’s indigenous manufacturing journey.”
“The inauguration of this final assembly line (FAL) is a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The C295 India programme demonstrates Airbus’ commitment to supporting India’s vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ in defence manufacturing. Aligned to this vision, this FAL will propel the advancement of the aerospace industrial ecosystem in the country, unlocking the potential for cutting-edge design, component manufacturing, aircraft assembly and services capabilities across the Indian value chain,” said Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space.
The FAL will integrate manufacturing of detail parts and related tooling, sub-assemblies, major component assemblies, tools, jigs and testers. The production of components of the C295 aircraft have already started in the Main Component Assembly (MCA) facility in Hyderabad. The parts for the first C295 aircraft to be made in India have been shipped to the Vadodara FAL, where the aircraft will be assembled and then delivered to the IAF.
The first ‘Make in India’ C295 will roll out of the Vadodara FAL in September 2026, which will be a milestone for the Indian aerospace industry; and shall ramp-up to deliver 40 aircraft to the IAF by August 2031, as required by the IAF contract.
India has become the largest customer for the C295, with the acquisition of 56 aircraft. The C295 ‘Make in India’ programme will produce more than 85% structural and final assembly of 40 aircraft along with the manufacturing of 13,000 detail parts in India, for which 21 special processes have been certified and 37 India-based suppliers, both from the private and public sectors, have been onboarded.
For Airbus, India is a strategic resource hub where the company is expanding its industrial footprint with aircraft assembly, component manufacturing, engineering design and development, MRO support, pilot and maintenance training as well as academic collaboration to foster human capital. Airbus invests more than $1 bn every year in a robust and comprehensive supply chain in India for components and services, generating more than 15,000 jobs. Additionally, Airbus India’s own engineering and digital centres in Bengaluru contribute to all the commercial and helicopter programmes of Airbus globally.
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