Dornier 228 aircraft for Indian Coast Guard (Photo: HAL)
New Delhi: In a significant move to enhance maritime domain awareness and strengthen aerial patrol capabilities along India’s coastline, the Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
The agreement was signed with HAL’s Transport Aircraft Division in Kanpur in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
According to defence officials, the deal will not only augment the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities but also provide a major boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. “The agreement is expected to benefit HAL’s production network and India’s broader defence industrial base, including MSMEs engaged in the supply chain,” an official said.
The contract is also expected to generate sustained opportunities in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, as well as long-term lifecycle technical support.
The Dornier 228 is a 19-seater, twin-engine turboprop aircraft known for its versatility and reliability in multi-mission roles. It is widely used for maritime surveillance, transport, and utility operations. HAL has been manufacturing the aircraft in India for decades, supplying it to the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Coast Guard.
The high-wing aircraft is currently operated by the ICG in two variants — the Dornier 228-100 and 228-200 series. It is capable of rapid role conversion for missions such as maritime patrol and surveillance, marine pollution response, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.
With a maximum take-off weight of 6,400 kg and a maximum cruise speed of 428 kmph, the aircraft has a wingspan of 16.97 metres and an overall length of 16.56 metres.
Officials said the contract reinforces the government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative, while significantly strengthening India’s maritime security architecture.
