Tata Group Pursues Local Assembly of PW127G Engines for C-295M Aircraft
In a major development for India's defense and aerospace industry, the Tata Group is taking steps to locally assemble the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127G turboprop engines, which power the C-295M transport aircraft. This bold move comes as part of India’s "Make in India" initiative, which encourages domestic manufacturing and technological self-reliance, particularly within the defense sector.
The PW127G turboprop engine, known for its reliability and powerful performance, is typically imported. However, with the Indian government’s support, the Tata Group is exploring the possibility of establishing local assembly and partial manufacturing of certain components for the PW127G within India. The shift to domestic production for these engines would not only lessen reliance on foreign imports but also catalyze India’s aerospace capabilities, reduce costs, and foster local employment.
The Tata Group’s efforts build on the significant milestone of beginning production of the C-295M transport aircraft at its facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. This transport aircraft is a crucial addition to the Indian Air Force's fleet and will eventually replace the aging Avro-748 aircraft. The PW127G engines, known for providing efficient, consistent power with a maximum output of approximately 2750 shaft horsepower, allow the C-295M to perform effectively in various demanding operational environments, such as short take-off and landing on unprepared airstrips. This makes it a versatile asset for transport, medical evacuation, and troop movements, especially in India’s rugged and remote regions.
The C-295M program is a joint collaboration between Airbus Defence and Space and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL). The program’s framework is designed to optimize efficiency and foster local production capabilities. Under this initiative, Airbus will initially deliver 16 aircraft in ready-to-fly condition from Spain, and the remaining 40 will be produced in India at the TASL facility. By committing to domestic assembly of both the aircraft and potentially its engines, Tata is spearheading the growth of India’s aerospace manufacturing sector.
Moving to local assembly of the PW127G engines involves creating a supply chain network for critical components and establishing assembly lines within India. In a possible phased approach, Tata aims to start with assembly of the engines using kits imported from Pratt & Whitney, while gradually advancing towards complete indigenous manufacturing of engine parts. This phased process ensures technical knowledge transfer, skill development, and a steady build-up of manufacturing capabilities, all vital to maintaining and servicing the engines domestically.
This initiative is set to benefit India’s economy by creating new high-skill jobs, not only directly within the assembly plants but also across the entire supply chain. Establishing these capabilities within India will also help develop an indigenous aerospace ecosystem, potentially allowing Indian companies to produce components or subsystems for other Pratt & Whitney engine models or similar aviation projects. By engaging more Indian companies in defense production, Tata Group is not just achieving milestones in defense but also playing a vital role in realizing India’s broader vision of self-sufficiency in advanced technology.
The collaboration between Airbus and TASL is expected to strengthen India’s aerospace infrastructure further by covering every aspect from production to lifecycle management of the aircraft. The establishment of a full-fledged ecosystem around the C-295M program means that India will have the technical, manufacturing, and logistical expertise to maintain the aircraft fleet long-term, reducing the dependency on foreign parts or maintenance services.
Tata Group’s initiative to locally assemble the PW127G engines is poised to make India one of the few countries with the capacity to assemble and produce such sophisticated turboprop engines. By reducing the supply chain reliance on external sources, India will better safeguard its defense requirements, even as global geopolitical dynamics continue to shift. This development is more than just a leap forward in India's aerospace capabilities; it’s a strong affirmation of India's intent to be a global defense production hub.
