The Ministry of Defence has signed a Rs 2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with associated Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard under the Buy (Indian) category.
The contract was concluded in New Delhi on 12 February 2026 in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. The aircraft will be manufactured by HAL’s Transport Aircraft Division at Kanpur, reinforcing indigenous production capabilities in the defence aviation sector.
The induction of additional Dornier 228 aircraft is set to significantly enhance the Indian Coast Guard’s maritime surveillance, search and rescue, pollution monitoring and coastal security operations. The platform is widely regarded for its versatility, reliability and suitability for sustained operations across India’s vast maritime domain.
Beyond operational gains, the programme is expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment by strengthening HAL’s production ecosystem and supporting a wide network of MSMEs and ancillary industries. It will also create long-term opportunities in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) activities and lifecycle technical support.
The contract underlines the government’s continued push towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in defence manufacturing, while simultaneously bolstering India’s maritime security architecture through indigenously built and supported platforms.
