The Defence Ministry has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Transport Aircraft Division in Kanpur for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft, along with operational role equipment, for the Indian Coast Guard. The deal, worth Rs 2,312 crore, has been placed under the Buy (Indian) category and is part of India’s wider push to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing and maritime security.
Contract Details
- The agreement covers eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard.
- It also includes operational role equipment needed for mission readiness.
- The contract value is Rs 2,312 crore.
- The procurement has been placed under the Buy (Indian) category.
Strategic Significance
The Dornier 228 is a light transport aircraft used for surveillance, patrol, and coastal operations. For the Indian Coast Guard, the aircraft will improve maritime domain awareness, search and rescue support, and coastal surveillance. The deal strengthens India’s maritime security architecture at a time when coastal defence and monitoring of sea lanes remain important.
Industrial and Employment Impact
The programme is expected to generate direct and indirect employment by supporting HAL’s production ecosystem. It will also benefit micro, small and medium enterprises and ancillary industries linked to aircraft manufacturing. In addition, it will create long-term work in maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as life-cycle technical support.
Broader Defence Procurement Context
The contract reflects the Government’s emphasis on Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in defence production. In parallel, the Defence Acquisition Council has cleared several major service proposals, including fighter aircraft, missiles, and army equipment, with a large estimated value. These decisions indicate continued modernisation across the armed forces, with a growing share of domestic manufacturing in future procurement.
Last Modified: April 28, 2026