- Textron’s Trusted Wings Over India: Tom Webster on Market Depth, Defence Partnerships, and Future Horizons
- Textron Has a Very Mature Relationship with India
By Sangeeta Saxena
Paris/New Delhi. 14 July 2025. Textron Aviation has long supported India’s civil and defence aviation requirements. The company’s King Air series is widely operated for governmental transport duties, while Cessna aircraft are popular across the private and business aviation spectrum. Textron also maintains an engineering base in India, contributing to global product development and showcasing its long-term investment in the Indian market.
At the Paris Air Show 2025, Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) caught up with Tom Webster, VP, Global Sales & Strategy at Textron Aviation Defense, to explore the company’s growing strategic footprint in India. In this exclusive interview, Webster reflects on Textron’s legacy with the Indian market, the strengths of the Beechcraft and Cessna aircraft fleets in the region, and how future collaborations could strengthen India’s defence aviation ambitions.
ADU. Textron seems to have built a solid base in India. Could you elaborate on that?
Tom Webster. We’ve had Textron in India for a very long time. In fact, we have an engineering element based there that works closely with Textron Aviation and does an outstanding job. Our relationship with India is mature and deeply rooted.
ADU. Is this engagement more inclined towards the defence or commercial sector?
Tom Webster. It spans both. On the commercial and special missions side of our business, there are numerous Beechcraft and Cessna airplanes in India. For instance, the King Air is operated by several Indian states for government transport and other missions.
ADU. Are you looking at expanding your footprint in the Indian defence ecosystem?
Tom Webster. Absolutely. India is a key strategic partner for us, and we’re keen on supporting India’s operational needs with platforms like the Beechcraft T-6C Texan II—a proven trainer aircraft—and others from our defence portfolio. We are confident our aircraft can meet a variety of Indian requirements.
ADU. What about industry partnerships in India? Any plans for deeper collaboration?
Tom Webster. We’re always open to the idea of working with Indian companies across multiple areas. Whether it’s through industrial partnerships, MRO collaborations, or special mission support, we want to be part of India’s growing aerospace ecosystem—especially as it advances under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. We want to fulfil India’s training aircraft need.
ADU. What would you suggest for this?
Tom Webster. Here I am refering to the decade-long production and operational track record of the M-346 aircraft. Textron Aviation has been leading the future of flight for 95 years, and we bring that legacy of innovation and dependability to every program.
ADU. What role is Textron Aviation Defense playing in the M-346 trainer aircraft program, and how is it collaborating with Leonardo?
Tom Webster. Textron is partnering with Leonardo, the original manufacturer of the M-346, to offer the M-346N variant for the U.S. Navy’s Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS). This collaboration combines Leonardo’s design and manufacturing expertise with Textron’s deep-rooted presence in U.S. defense aviation. While Leonardo builds key airframe components like the wing, fuselage, and tail in Italy, Textron handles major assembly, integration, and systems management in the United States. The aim is to deliver a high-performance, integrated training solution that aligns seamlessly with the Navy’s evolving needs.
ADU. What makes the M-346N a suitable replacement for the U.S. Navy’s T-45 Goshawk?
Tom Webster. The M-346N is an advanced jet trainer platform designed to prepare pilots for 5th-generation fighters like the F-35 and advanced multirole aircraft such as the Eurofighter. It emphasizes cockpit systems management and integrates live, virtual, and constructive training environments to deliver a complete training ecosystem. Textron brings to the table its aviation legacy, U.S.-based engineering strength, and strong military relationships, ensuring the M-346N meets the Navy’s specific requirements. It’s already a proven platform with operational success in other air forces, which makes it a credible and ready-now solution for the U.S. Navy.
ADU. Could you elaborate on the partnership between Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo for the trainer platform?
Tom Webster. Textron Aviation Defense and Leonardo share a common training heritage. We’re both training companies, and that’s evident in what we build—training aircraft, not frontline fighters. Regarding our collaboration, it will not be a joint venture. Textron will be the prime contractor and Leonardo will serve as the subcontractor for the project.
ADU. How is the manufacturing of the trainer aircraft structured between the two companies?
Tom Webster. Portions of the aircraft structure—specifically the wing, fuselage body, and empennage (tail structure)—will be built in Italy at Leonardo’s facility in Venegono. These components will then be shipped to the United States for final assembly. While we haven’t finalized the location of the final assembly line yet, most of our work is currently done in Wichita, Kansas. In the U.S., we will join the major components, install engines, avionics, ejection seats, and the canopy, and complete the integration and painting. Roughly two-thirds of the overall work will be done in the U.S.
ADU. Can the Textron-Leonardo collaboration model for the M-346N be replicated with the Indian Armed Forces?
Tom Webster. Yes, the Textron-Leonardo model can serve as an ideal blueprint for collaboration between Indian defence stakeholders and global OEMs. Under this model, an Indian defence PSU or private aerospace company could act as the prime contractor, with an international partner supporting in a subcontracting role. This structure aligns well with India’s defence procurement policies and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, encouraging technology transfer, local job creation, and skill development. It would also enable final aircraft assembly and integration to take place in India, strengthening indigenous capabilities.
ADU. How would this benefit India’s aerospace and training ecosystem?
Tom Webster. Replicating such a model could significantly boost India’s aerospace manufacturing and MRO ecosystem. By establishing final assembly lines in India and sourcing components domestically, India could position itself as a regional hub for advanced trainers and support aircraft. This is especially relevant as the Indian Air Force looks to replace ageing trainer fleets. A co-developed aircraft platform, complemented by simulators and ground-based training systems, could modernize pilot training and integrate seamlessly into India’s operational doctrine for 4.5 and 5th generation aircraft
Tom Webster’s insights at Paris Air Show 2025 reaffirm Textron Aviation’s strong ties with India. From established engineering collaborations to expanding defence sales, Textron is poised to contribute meaningfully to India’s aviation future. With platforms that straddle both civil and defence domains, the company continues to offer versatile and scalable solutions for India’s skyward ambitions.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena
