New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division (TAD), Kanpur, for the procurement of eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) under the Buy (Indian) category.
The deal, valued at ₹2,312 crore, marks a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime security architecture. According to the Raksha Mantri Office, the aircraft will be equipped with Operational Role Equipment (ORE) and advanced systems to enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s maritime aerial surveillance capabilities.
Notably, the procurement features more than 71 per cent indigenous content, reflecting the government’s continued push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
The Dornier 228 aircraft are expected to play a crucial role in surveillance of India’s vast coastline, monitoring maritime activities, conducting search and rescue operations, and safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests.
Officials said the induction of these aircraft will significantly boost the operational readiness of the Indian Coast Guard and contribute to strengthening overall maritime security in the region.
The contract also provides a major impetus to domestic aerospace manufacturing, particularly HAL’s Kanpur division, reinforcing India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defence production.
