MoD Inks Rs 2,312 Cr Deal with HAL for 8 Dornier Aircraft

• HAL to supply 8 Dornier 228 aircraft, strengthening maritime security and Make in India
• Rafale jets, combat missiles, and AS-HAPS approved to boost air dominance and surveillance
• Vibhav mines and vehicle overhauls to enhance readiness and extend equipment life

The Defence Ministry has signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, to buy eight Dornier 228 aircraft and their related Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) under the Buy Indian category. The signing took place in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.

The Ministry of Defence HAL contract for eight Dornier 228 aircraft marks a significant HAL defence deal in the Indian defence procurement landscape, strengthening military aircraft India capabilities and boosting defence manufacturing India.

The programme will develop HAL's production system because it will create big job opportunities through direct and indirect employment while helping many small and medium-sized enterprises and supporting industries.

The project will establish permanent job openings for workers who will handle maintenance tasks and repair activities and follow through with technical assistance throughout the entire lifecycle. The Ministry emphasized that the initiative strengthens government commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India while building up India's maritime security system.

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The Defence Acquisition Council, which Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leads, granted acceptance of necessity for multiple proposals that reached a total value of approximately ₹3.60 lakh crore.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) acquired Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) rafale fighter jets together with combat missiles and Air-Ship-Based High-Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (AS-HAPS) technology.

Domestic production will handle most MRFA manufacturing needs, while the combat missiles will deliver accurate, extended-range attack capabilities. The AS-HAPS platforms will enable continuous intelligence gathering, surveillance operations, reconnaissance missions, and electronic intelligence activities.

The Indian Army received acceptance of necessity for Vibhav anti-tank mines and vehicle platform upgrades for Armoured Recovery Vehicles (ARVs), T-72 tanks and BMP-II infantry combat vehicles. The mines will slow down enemy mechanized operations, while the platform enhancements will boost equipment durability, which will lead to better operational performance and military readiness.