Airbus Defence and Space has achieved a significant milestone in its partnership with India’s aerospace industry, as the company’s Quality Management System (QMS) receives a nod of approval from India’s Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA). This accreditation allows Airbus to embark on the production of detailed parts and sub-assemblies for the C295 aircraft within the Indian territory.
Collaborating closely with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), Airbus Defence and Space is set to commence the production of these intricate components at various locations across India. The certification from DGAQA underscores the steadfast commitment of Airbus to uphold stringent quality standards, ensuring that all C295 parts manufactured in India adhere to the exacting benchmarks synonymous with Airbus.
Jorge Tamarit Degenhardt, VP – Head of C295 India Programme at Airbus Defence and Space, expressed his appreciation for the trust and confidence placed by DGAQA in Airbus quality standards. He emphasized that the partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited remains instrumental in executing a robust and comprehensive quality framework essential for successful aircraft manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, aligned with the ethos of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
The significance of this certification is magnified within the broader context of India’s defense modernization efforts. In September 2021, India formalized the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft to replace the aging AVRO fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Under the contractual agreement, Airbus will deliver the initial batch of 16 aircraft in ‘fly-away’ condition from its assembly line in Seville, Spain. The remaining 40 aircraft will undergo production and assembly by Tata Advanced Systems Limited in India, as part of an industrial collaboration between the two entities.
The induction of the first C295 aircraft into the Indian Air Force’s fleet in September 2023 marked a significant milestone in this endeavor. The recent certification by DGAQA further solidifies the commitment of Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited towards the comprehensive development of an indigenous aerospace ecosystem. From the production of detailed parts to assembly, testing, and maintenance, this collaborative effort aims to nurture a self-reliant industrial infrastructure capable of supporting the entire lifecycle of the C295 aircraft.
As India continues its journey towards bolstering its defense capabilities and fostering indigenous manufacturing prowess, partnerships such as the one between Airbus and Tata Advanced Systems Limited serve as exemplars of collaborative innovation and strategic alignment. The certification of Airbus Defence and Space’s Quality Management System heralds a new chapter in India’s aerospace industry, underlining the nation’s ascent as a key player in the global aviation landscape.
