MoD Signs Rs 2,312 Crore HAL Contract for Dornier 228 Aircraft for Indian Coast Guard

New Delhi, February 12, 2026: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Rs 2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur) for the procurement of eight Dornier 228 aircraft equipped with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard under the Buy (Indian) category.

The deal is a major step in strengthening India’s indigenous aerospace manufacturing capabilities and will provide a significant boost to employment opportunities across Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the supply chain.

The programme is also expected to enhance the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) ecosystem and ensure comprehensive lifecycle support for the aircraft. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of #AatmanirbharBharat while reinforcing India’s maritime security architecture.

The Dornier 228 aircraft, renowned for their versatility and reliability, will significantly improve the Indian Coast Guard’s operational readiness, enabling enhanced surveillance and rapid response capabilities along India’s coastline.

This procurement marks another milestone in India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, combining cutting-edge technology with local expertise to strengthen national security.