Indian Coast Guard To Receive Two Dornier Do-228 Aircraft Worth Rs 458 Crore For Enhanced Surveillance In The Indian Ocean

Aimed at boosting the Indian Coast Guard's surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure two upgraded Dornier Do-228 aircraft.

The deal is worth Rs 458 crore and will be procured under the 'Buy (Indian)' category.

According to a press release by the MoD, the two upgraded Dornier Do-228 will be fitted with a number of advanced equipment, such as, glass cockpit, maritime patrol radar, electro-optic infra-red device, mission management system etc.

"This addition will further bolster the aerial surveillance capability of maritime areas of responsibility of the Indian Coast Guard," the press release added.

This will help the Indian Coast Guard keep an eye out for suspicious movements in the Indian Ocean Region, and will help conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and drug policing missions.

The two aircraft will be manufactured at HAL's transport airport division in Kanpur, significantly contributing in India's Atmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India initiative.