India grows defense industry with first private military aircraft factory

Tata unit's plant for Airbus planes shows push to diversify beyond Russian imports

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, center left, and Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez wave to supporters en route to the new plant in Gujarat on Oct. 28. © Reuters

SATOSHI IWAKI, Nikkei staff writer

October 29, 2024 02:41 JST

NEW DELHI -- India has inaugurated its first military aircraft factory run by a private-sector company, seeking to produce more defense equipment at home and reduce its reliance on imports from Russia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish counterpart Pedro Sanchez attended a ceremony Monday for the plant in the state of Gujarat. Run by Tata group company Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL), the facility will build Airbus C295 transport planes.