India’s Aerospace Ambitions Soar as Tata and Safran Unveil Advanced LEAP Engine Facility in Hyderabad

Tata Advanced Systems Limited, one of India's leading private sector aerospace and defense solutions provider, in partnership with Safran Aircraft Engines, a world-leading commercial and military aircraft engine manufacturer, inaugurated their cutting-edge manufacturing facility at the Tata Centre of Excellence for Aero Engines in Adibatla, Hyderabad. The facility will produce complex rotating parts for the CFM LEAP engine, including cutting-edge machining and special processes under one roof.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Honourable Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce, and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, along with senior officials from Tata Advanced Systems, Safran and government dignitaries.

The inauguration ceremony marks a significant milestone in the strategic collaboration announced in January 2024, when both companies signed a long-term agreement for the production of rotating parts for the LEAP engine, developed by CFM International, a 50-50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. LEAP engines, which power the majority of new generation narrowbody aircraft, continue to deliver on performance commitments, with 15% better fuel efficiency, much lower noise than previous generation engines and high utilization.

“Rotative Aeroengine components represent the pinnacle of aerospace technology and this world-class facility reflects our commitment to building advanced manufacturing capabilities in India and our proven ability to industrialize complex global aerospace programs,” said Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Tata Advanced Systems Limited. “Being part of the LEAP program—among the world’s highest-selling engine platforms—underscores our focus on precision, quality, and excellence for the global aerospace supply chain.”

“Beyond its state-of-the-art infrastructure, this plant lies at the very heart of Safran Aircraft Engines’ Supply chain strategy: manufacturing closer to our markets, strengthening our supply chain resilience, and delivering to our customers the highest standards of quality, safety, performance, and sustainability”, said Dominique Dupuy, Senior Vice President Purchasing, Safran Aircraft Engines. "This is a significant milestone for both Safran Aircraft Engines and our partner, Tata Advanced Systems Limited which marks a new chapter in our partnership, driven by our shared commitment to industrial excellence and technological innovation in aerospace."

India represents the third-largest operator of LEAP engines globally, with 75% of Indian commercial aircraft equipped with CFM's advanced turbofan technology. To date, more than 2,000 LEAP engines have been ordered by Indian airlines, underscoring the critical importance of establishing robust manufacturing and support capabilities in the country.

The Tata Centre of Excellence for Aero Engines, established in 2018, has been purpose-built to manufacture complex aeroengine components for India and the global supply chain. The facility incorporates Industry 4.0 practices, featuring advanced precision-machining technologies and complex aeroengine special processes under one roof.

About Tata Advanced Systems Limited

Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a significant player for aerospace and defense solutions in India. Tata Advanced Systems offers a full range of integrated solutions across: Aerostructures & Aeroengines, Airborne Platforms & Systems, Defense & Security, Land Mobility. Tata Advanced Systems has a strong portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defense firms, making it an integral partner in the international supply chain and in some instances, a global single source provider for leading defense OEMs. With the requisite capabilities, resources and scale, Tata Advanced Systems is equipped to deliver end-to-end innovative solutions throughout the entire aerospace and defence value chain from design to full platform assembly, and is well positioned in technologies that include missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, artillery guns, command and control systems, optronics and homeland security apart from world class protected mobility solutions. For more information: https://www.tataadvancedsystems.com or follow @tataadvanced on X and LinkedIn

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran undertakes research and development programs to maintain the environmental priorities of its R&T and Innovation roadmap.

Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

Safran Aircraft Engines designs, produces, sells, alone or in partnership, commercial and military aircraft engines offering world-class performance, reliability and environmental-friendliness. Through CFM International, Safran Aircraft Engines is the world’s leading supplier of engines for short and medium-haul commercial jets. For more information: www.safran-group.com and www.safran-aircraft-engines.com / Follow @Safran and @SafranEngines on X

Tata Advanced Systems Buys 7.4 Lakh Sq Ft Land in Karnataka for Aircraft Manufacturing

Tata Advanced Systems has acquired 7.4 lakh square feet of land in Karnataka’s Vemgal Industrial Area for ₹29.34 crore. The land will be used for aircraft manufacturing, including final assembly, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

The Tata Group company purchased the land from the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) under a lease-cum-sale agreement registered on February 24, 2025.

This move aligns with India's Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, strengthening domestic aerospace capabilities and boosting employment. Karnataka has been a preferred destination for aerospace investments, with Bengaluru already serving as a major hub for aviation and defense technology.

Key Details:

• Location: Vemgal Industrial Area, Karnataka, near Kolar-Chikkaballapur Road (SH-96).
• Transaction Type: Lease-cum-sale agreement registered on February 24, 2025.
• Stamp Duty Paid: ₹1.5 crores
• Cost per Acre: ₹1.7 crore.
• Lease Term: 10 years, with an annual rent of ₹17,011 and maintenance charges of ₹2.55 lakh.
• Industrial Area Size: 666 acres.
• Strategic Importance: Supports India’s defense aviation sector, strengthens self-reliance, and enhances global aerospace collaborations.

Why Karnataka?

Karnataka has been a preferred destination for aerospace investments, with Bengaluru already serving as a major hub for aviation and defense technology. The state’s progressive policies, skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure make it attractive for high-value manufacturing.

According to Government reports, the Aerospace industry has the potential to reach $70 billion by 2030.

The government's push for self-reliance and initiatives like Make in India are attracting foreign investments, leading to international partnerships with countries like France, Russia, and the U.S.

PM Modi and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez Jointly Inaugurate TATA Aircraft Complex for Manufacturing C-295 Aircraft in Vadodara, Gujarat

• The C-295 Aircraft facility in Vadodara reinforces India's position as a trusted partner in global aerospace manufacturing:PM
• Make in India, Make for the World:PM
• The C-295 aircraft factory reflects the new work culture of a New India:PM
• India's defence manufacturing ecosystem is reaching new heights:PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Spain, Mr Pedro Sanchez jointly inaugurated the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft at TATA advanced systems limited (TASL) Campus in Vadodara, Gujarat today. Both Prime Ministers also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that it is the Prime Minister of Spain, Mr Pedro Sanchez’s first visit to India and the partnership between the two countries is finding a new direction today. Noting the inauguration of the TATA Aircraft Complex for manufacturing C-295 aircraft, the Prime Minister said that it would not only strengthen the relations between the two nations but also give momentum to the mission of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. Shri Modi conveyed his best wishes to the entire team of Airbus and TATA on the occasion. The Prime Minister also paid his tributes to Late Shri Ratan Tata ji.

The Prime Minister underlined that the factory of C295 aircraft is a reflection of the new work culture of New India and said that India’s speed from idea to the execution of any project in the country can be witnessed here. Recalling the foundation stone laying of the factory in October 2022, the Prime Minister said that the facility is now ready for production of C295 aircrafts.

Emphasizing the focus on eliminating unaccounted delays in the planning and execution of projects, the Prime Minister recalled the setting up of Bombardier Train Coach manufacturing facility in Vadodara as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and said that factory was ready in record time for production. “Metro Coaches made in this factory are being exported to other nations today”, he added. Shri Modi expressed confidence that the aircrafts made in today’s inaugurated facility would also be exported.

Quoting the famous Spanish poet, Antonio Machado, the Prime Minister remarked that as we start treading towards the goal, the path towards the goal is created automatically. Noting that India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem was scaling new peaks today, Shri Modi said that if concrete steps were not taken 10 years ago then it would have been impossible to reach this destination today. He added that a decade ago, the priority and identity of defence manufacturing were about import and none could imagine that defence manufacturing could take place on such a large scale in India. The Prime Minister remarked that the Government decided to walk on a new path, set new goals for India, whose results are evident today.

The Prime Minister said that India’s transformation of the defense sector exemplifies how a right plan and partnership can turn possibilities into prosperity. He underlined that strategic decisions have spurred the growth of a vibrant defense industry in India over the last decade. “We expanded private sector participation in defense manufacturing, made public sector units more efficient, restructured ordnance factories into seven major companies, and empowered DRDO and HAL”, said Shri Modi.

He said establishing defense corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu infused new energy into the sector. Touching upon iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence) scheme, the Prime Minister said that it has driven the growth of around 1,000 defense startups in the past five to six years. He informed that India’s defense exports have increased 30 times over the past decade, with the country now exporting equipment to over 100 countries.

The Prime Minister laid emphasis on skilling and job creation and said that projects like the Airbus-Tata factory will create thousands of jobs. He said that the factory will support indigenous manufacturing of 18,000 aircraft parts, providing immense opportunities for MSMEs across India. Noting that India is one of the biggest suppliers of parts for the world's major aircraft companies even today, Shri Modi said that the new aircraft factory will give a big boost to new skills and new industries in India.

The Prime Minister underlined that he was looking at today's program beyond the manufacturing of transport aircraft. Highlighting the unprecedented growth and transformation of India's aviation sector in the last decade, Shri Modi remarked that India was providing air connectivity to hundreds of small cities in the country, while simultaneously working to make India a hub of aviation and MRO domain. He added that this ecosystem will also pave the way for Made in India civil aircraft in the future. Noting that various Indian airlines have ordered 1200 new aircraft, Shri Modi said that this only meant the newly inaugurated factory will play a major role from designing to manufacturing civil aircraft to meet the needs of India and the world in the future.

Noting that Vadodara City was a stronghold of MSMEs, Shri Modi remarked that the city will act as a catalyst in these efforts of India. He added that the city also had a Gatishakti University, which was preparing professionals for different sectors of India. The Prime Minister also noted that there were many companies related to many sectors like the pharma sector, Engineering and Heavy Machinery, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Power and Energy Equipment in Vadodara. He added that now this entire region was also going to be a major hub of aviation manufacturing in India. Shri Modi congratulated the Government of Gujarat and its Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and his entire team for their modern industrial policies and decisions.

Noting that Vadodara was also an important cultural city of India, Shri Modi said he was elated to welcome all the friends from Spain. “The cultural connect between India and Spain has its own importance”, stated the Prime Minister. He remarked that Father Carlos Valle had come from Spain and settled in Gujarat and spent fifty years of his life. He further added that Father Valle had enriched the culture with his thoughts and writings. Shri Modi stated that he also had the good fortune of meeting Father Valle and the Government of India honored him with Padma Shri for his great contribution.

Shri Modi noted that yoga was highly popular in Spain too and Spanish football was also liked in India. Remarking about the football match between Real Madrid and Barcelona clubs which took place yesterday, Shri Modi said that Barcelona's great victory was a topic of discussion in India too and the fervor of the fans of both the clubs was same in India as it is in Spain. Throwing light on India and Spain’s multifaceted partnership, the Prime Minister said, “Whether it's food, films, or football, our strong people-to-people connect has always strengthened our ties.” Shri Modi expressed happiness that India and Spain have decided to celebrate 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI.

Concluding the address, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that today's event will inspire many new joint collaboration projects between India and Spain. He extended an invitation to the Spanish industry and innovators and encouraged them to come to India and become partners in the country's development journey.

Under the C-295 program, a total of 56 aircrafts are to be delivered out of which 16 are being delivered directly by Airbus from Spain and remaining 40 are to be made in India.

Tata Advanced Systems Ltd is responsible for making these 40 aircrafts in India. This facility becomes the first private sector Final Assembly Line (FAL) for military aircraft in India. It will involve the full development of a complete ecosystem from the manufacture to assembly, test and qualification, to delivery and maintenance of the complete lifecycle of the aircraft.

Apart from Tatas, leading defence public sector units such as Bharat Electronics Ltd. and Bharat Dynamics Ltd, as well as private Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises will contribute to this program. Earlier in October 2022, Prime Minister had laid the foundation stone for the Vadodara Final Assembly Line (FAL).

PM Modi To Launch 1st Truly Private Make in India Aerospace Assembly Line, Today

• 2026 Will Mark A New Era
• C-295 – 1st Made in India Military Aircraft To Roll Out in 2026 From Vadodara

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez, is set to inaugurate India's first private sector final assembly line for military aircraft. This significant event will take place at the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) facility in Vadodara, Gujarat, on October 28, 2024.

Set to be a complete example of Atmsnirbharta, the C-295 Manufacturing plant will be a Powerhouse for jobs with direct employment of 3000+ at various sites, and over 15000 indirect employment, 1 million+ hours of labor effort per aircraft by TASL & suppliers.

Key Highlights:

Aircraft: The facility will produce 40 C-295 military tactical transport aircraft in collaboration with Airbus Spain.

Make in India: This project is a flagship initiative under the Make in India program, marking the first instance of a complete military aircraft being manufactured in India by a private company.

Operational Timeline: The first C-295 aircraft from this facility is expected to be delivered by September 2026, with the final aircraft set to be handed over by August.

Capabilities: The C-295 aircraft can transport up to nine tonnes of cargo or up to 71 soldiers and is suitable for various missions, including maritime surveillance, medical evacuations, and disaster relief.

The C-295 Aircraft

This project is a significant milestone for India's aerospace sector, enhancing the country's defense capabilities and promoting self-reliance in military manufacturing.

From Stick Holding Depot in Prayagraj to Training Centre at Air Force Station, Agra, the project will expand India's aviation ecosystem as besides the Vadodara's new assembly line it will also boost local industries.

Moreover, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be inducting the C-295 aircraft. The IAF has already received six C-295 aircraft from Spain, which were delivered in flyaway condition. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured in India by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) at the new assembly line in Vadodara 2 The first domestically produced C-295 is expected to roll out in September 2026, with the final aircraft to be delivered by August 2031.

The C-295 aircraft will replace the aging Avro-748 planes and enhance the IAF's tactical transport capabilities.

Tata Advanced Systems’ 1st Expansion Abroad as a Defence OEM, To Assemble Wheeled Armoured Platform in Morocco

• Kingdom of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces and Tata Advanced Systems sign deal for local production of Wheeled Armoured Platform
• TASL platform 8x8 jointly developed by Tata Advanced Systems with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Tata Motors, will be assembled in Morocco under an agreement with Government of Morocco
• Marks Tata Advanced Systems’ first expansion abroad as a Defence OEM

The Kingdom of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) announced a strategic partnership for the final assembly and integration of the TASL Wheeled Armoured Platform 8x8 in Casablanca, Morocco. Tata Advanced Systems’ local unit will produce a significant number of the specialised vehicle systems for Morocco and potentially for other countries in Africa. This will be Morocco’s first large defence manufacturing plant, and the first defence manufacturing plant by an Indian defence OEM situated outside India. The TASL platform 8x8, which has been developed jointly by Tata Advanced Systems and Tata Motors with DRDO, is itself a successful example of Indian private sector and government partnership. This will generate production in India while also starting final assembly of a defence platform in Morocco.

The production facility is expected to be operational over the next 12 months to deliver the contracted quantity of units thereafter over time. Significant content of the TASL platform 8x8 will be exported from India, while also meeting a commitment for local employment, value addition and support in Morocco. The production facility in Casablanca covering 20,000 sq. m. has been identified. While the initial contracted quantity is entirely to meet the needs of Royal Moroccan Army, this facility will be a 100% subsidiary of Tata Advanced Systems and become an export hub to meet the requirements of other countries especially in Africa.

During the signing, Mr. Abdeltif Loudyi, Honourable Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the Administration National Defence, said,” This partnership with Tata Advanced Systems marks a new era in the development of our defence industry. It is a strategic step that will not only contribute to our national self-reliance but also our ability to scale up our defence industry quickly and reliably. We are committed to creating a robust industrial ecosystem that drives economic growth and delivers tangible benefits to our investors and industry partners similar to the successful model of the automobile industry.”

Mr. Sukaran Singh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, TASL, said, “TASL is extremely proud to sign this partnership with the government of the Kingdom of Morocco. This contract is of significant size and of strategic importance for us. This not only enables TASL to help initiate Morocco’s defence ecosystem but also acts as a launch point for TASL into rest of Africa for select defence systems. We would like to acknowledge the progressive and industry friendly policies of the Kingdom of Morocco that made it viable for TASL to sign this landmark production and supply agreement.”

Tata Advanced Systems will work closely with the government of the Kingdom of Morocco to develop a robust ecosystem which would include engaging with the local supply chain partners and vendors, training and skill development of the workforce and building related capabilities, and to maintain the systems in-country. Further, the facility will adopt global standards in line with international best practices.

TASL platform 8x8 incorporates state-of-the-art critical technologies like a high power, integrated power pack with automatic transmission, with modularity and scalability which can be easily customised to cater to various missions and operating conditions of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, is a significant player for aerospace and defence solutions in India. Tata Advanced Systems offers a full range of integrated solutions across: Aerostructures & Aeroengines, Airborne Platforms & Systems, Defence & Security, and Land Mobility. Tata Advanced Systems has a strong portfolio of partnerships and joint ventures with leading global aerospace and defence firms, making it an integral partner in the international supply chain and in some instances, a global single source provider for leading aerospace and defence OEMs. With the requisite capabilities, resources and scale, Tata Advanced Systems is equipped to deliver end-to-end innovative solutions throughout the entire aerospace and defence value chain from design to full platform assembly, and is well positioned in areas that include satellites, missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, artillery guns, command and control systems, optronics, homeland security and land systems, in addition to aircraft and helicopters.

Tata Advanced Systems Reportedly to Get Order of 100 Wheeler Armor Vehicle Platform from Indian Army

Tata Advanced Systems, a subsidiary of Tata Sons, is likely to secure an order for over 100 wheeled armored vehicle platforms from the Indian Army, said a report by Zee Business citing sources. A Request for Information (RFI) may be issued soon in this regard.

This order is expected to be for the 8x8 wheeled armored platform, developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The contract could be signed within the next year.

The contract can be signed within the next one year, said the report.

This development highlights Tata Advanced Systems' significant role in India's defense sector, providing advanced solutions across various domains.

The 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles from Tata Advanced Systems are designed to meet the Indian Army’s requirements for mobility, protection, and firepower.

These vehicles are equipped with powerful engines and advanced suspension systems, allowing them to navigate rough terrains and challenging environments with ease.

Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) and the DRDO have a strong collaborative relationship, particularly in the development of advanced defense technologies. The 8x8 Wheeled Armored Platform is one of their notable joint projects. The platform is designed to meet the Indian Army’s requirements for mobility, protection, and firepower. It features advanced armor, modular design, and amphibious capabilities.

Under a contract with DRDO, TASL designed and manufactured combat management systems for the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) program. This system enhances the operational capabilities of the Indian Armed Forces.

TATA Kestrel is a wheeled armored personnel carrier developed by Tata Motors and DRDO. It is designed to meet the Indian Army’s requirements for a modern, versatile, and highly mobile armored vehicle.

Top Image – tataadvancedsystems.com

Airbus and Tata Group To Produce H125 Helicopter, the Only to Have Landed on Mt. Everest

On this year's Republic Day of India French President Emmanuel Macron visited India as Chief Guest at the Republic Day celebrations. During his this visit, Airbus Helicopters, (formerly Eurocopter Group) the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus, announced that it is partnering with the Tata Group to establish a Final Assembly Line (FAL) for helicopters in India.

The FAL, which will be India’s first helicopter Final Assembly Line in the private sector, will produce Airbus’ best-selling H125 helicopter from its civil range for India and will even export to few of India’s neighbouring countries.

The H125-series helicopters (previously designated the AS350 B3e) is a single-engine helicopters for performance, versatility, low maintenance, and low acquisition costs. It is a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family, which has accumulated 38 million flight hours worldwide.

Airbus claims that the H125-series helicopters have made number of world records. In 2005, the H125 set the world record for the highest-altitude landing and takeoff, performed on Mount Everest at 8,848 metres (29,029 feet). And in May 2013, the AS350 B3 (H125) performed the world's highest long-line rescue operation on Lhotse, the world's 4th-highest mountain, located in the Himalayas at 7,800 metres (25,590 feet).

H125 helicopter (Image - Stephane KERVELLA) 

H125 helicopter (Image - Stephane KERVELLA) 

The H125 series helicopters can operate in high-and-hot and extreme environments and can be easily reconfigured for various missions, including aerial work, firefighting, law enforcement, rescue, air ambulance, passenger transport, and many others.

Headquartered in Marignane, France, Airbus Helicopters will set up the helicopter manufacturing facility in India in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of Tata Group.

H125 helicopter (Image - Stephane KERVELLA) 

 
To recall, TASL has also inked a contract with Airbus rival firm Boeing recently, to manufacture and supply advanced composite assemblies for Boeing 737 MAX, 777X, and 787 Dreamliner. Tata's TASL will manufacture these components from its manufacturing facilities located in Bengaluru and Nagpur.

The FAL in India will undertake the integration of the major component assemblies, avionics and mission systems, installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel system and the engine.

The proposed H125 helicopter manufacturing facility will be the second FAL to be established in India by Airbus, leveraging Tata Group's TASL’s capabilities in aerospace and defence. The two companies are already building the C295 military transport aircraft FAL in Vadodara, Gujarat.

N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said, “The Tata Group is delighted to set up India’s first helicopter assembly facility in the private sector. This facility will have the final assembly line in partnership with Airbus for the world’s bestselling Airbus H125 single engine helicopter for the Indian as well as export markets.”

Undisputed in its class, the H125 produced in India will catalyse the use of helicopters in the country. This multi-mission workhorse will revolutionise passenger and goods transportation and will also be used for segments such as emergency medical services (HEMS), disaster management, law enforcement, tourism and aerial work missions. Providing last mile connectivity to remote areas, the H125 will significantly contribute to the Government of India’s regional connectivity scheme – Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) that will further promote the tourism sector in the country.