The Indian Ministry of Defence signed a major contract with HAL. The deal covers eight Dornier 228 surveillance aircraft. The contract is valued at ₹2,312 crore. It includes airframes along with mission-specific sensors and equipment. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh attended the signing ceremony in New Delhi. Moreover, officials emphasized maritime security enhancement. The acquisition falls under the government’s “Buy (Indian)” initiative. Therefore, it supports domestic defence manufacturing.
Strengthening Maritime Security
The additional aircraft will strengthen the Indian Coast Guard significantly. Furthermore, they will expand operational reach across coastal regions. The Dornier 228 is a twin-engine turboprop multi-mission aircraft. It can carry up to 19 personnel or equivalent cargo.
The aircraft offers long endurance and strong fuel efficiency. Consequently, it suits extended coastal surveillance missions. Its lightweight design allows low and slow flight over oceans. Therefore, it effectively covers vast maritime areas. Currently, the Coast Guard operates 228-100 and 228-200 variants. These aircraft perform routine coastal patrol duties.
HAL’s Indigenous Production Legacy
HAL’s Transport Aircraft Division in Kanpur manufactures the Dornier 228. The production line has operated since the 1980s. HAL signed the original licence agreement in November 1983. Subsequently, it rolled out the first Indian-built Dornier in 1985. Since then, HAL has manufactured over 125 Dorniers domestically. Notably, the new order will use the same Kanpur facility.
Thus, the entire production process will remain onshore. This approach reinforces indigenous defence capabilities.
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Boost to Employment and Industry
According to the Defence Ministry, the programme will strengthen HAL’s production ecosystem. Additionally, it will support a wide supplier network. The contract will generate significant direct and indirect employment. Moreover, it will sustain maintenance and overhaul operations locally.
Indian companies will handle life-cycle support and upgrades. Consequently, the initiative ensures long-term domestic involvement. Officials stated that the contract reinforces Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Furthermore, it aligns with the Make-in-India vision in defence.
Long-Term Strategic Impact
HAL will build and deliver the aircraft under the agreement. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry will oversee testing and integration. Once delivered, the aircraft will enhance coastal surveillance capabilities. Therefore, India’s maritime security posture will strengthen further.
The deal underscores India’s strategy of securing maritime interests through domestic production. Moreover, it reflects continued emphasis on self-reliance. Overall, the HAL Dornier contract marks another step toward indigenous defence expansion. Consequently, it strengthens both security and industrial growth.
