RT team
In a LinkedIn update, Prime Minister Modi praised the rapid construction of the Tata-Airbus facility, highlighting its completion from ground-breaking to full operation in just two years. This achievement reflects a transformative work culture and the remarkable capabilities of the Indian people.
The Prime Minister noted that India’s defence production reached Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, with defence exports escalating to Rs 21,000 crore from a modest Rs 1,000 crore in 2014. Over the past three years, more than 12,300 defence items have been indigenized, with over Rs 7,500 crore invested in local vendors by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).
PM Modi emphasized the reduced reliance on foreign imports, thanks to the contributions of India’s youth and the proactive efforts of the government. He encouraged young people, startups, and innovators to seize the abundant opportunities within the defence sector, urging them to contribute their skills and energy to India’s historical journey toward self-reliance in defence production.
Highlighting a significant shift from the past, where India imported 65-70% of its defence equipment, the government noted that about 65% of defence equipment is now made domestically. This shift underscores India’s evolving defence landscape.
The Tata-Airbus facility in Vadodara represents a landmark development as India’s first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft, demonstrating the government’s dedication to boosting domestic production capabilities. Under this initiative, 56 C-295 aircraft will be supplied, with the first 16 being assembled in Spain by Airbus, and the subsequent 40 manufactured in India.
