In a significant boost to India’s indigenous defence manufacturing and maritime security capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The contract, valued at ₹2,312 crore, has been concluded under the Buy (Indian) category and was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on 12 February 2026.
The procurement marks another important step in advancing the Government of India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in the defence sector.
Strengthening Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
The contract with HAL reinforces the government’s focus on promoting indigenous design, development, and production of defence platforms. The Dornier 228 aircraft, produced by HAL, are multi-role light transport aircraft known for their versatility in maritime surveillance, search and rescue, pollution control, and logistical support operations.
By placing this order under the Buy (Indian) category, the Ministry of Defence has further strengthened the domestic aerospace manufacturing ecosystem and reduced dependence on foreign suppliers for critical platforms.
Boost to Employment and Industrial Ecosystem
The programme is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment across the country. It will strengthen HAL’s production ecosystem and support a wide network of MSMEs and ancillary industries associated with the aerospace and defence supply chain.
In addition to manufacturing-related jobs, the project will also create sustained opportunities in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and life-cycle technical support, contributing to long-term skill development and industrial capacity building in the sector.
Enhancing the Indian Coast Guard’s Operational Capability
The induction of eight new Dornier 228 aircraft will further bolster the operational readiness of the Indian Coast Guard. These aircraft will enhance the ICG’s ability to conduct maritime surveillance, coastal security missions, search and rescue operations, and environmental monitoring, thereby strengthening India’s overall maritime security architecture.
The acquisition comes at a time when maritime domain awareness and rapid response capabilities are becoming increasingly critical for safeguarding India’s extensive coastline and exclusive economic zone.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in Action: MoD
This contract is a clear reflection of the government’s continued commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in defence. By prioritising domestically manufactured platforms and nurturing local industrial capabilities, the Ministry of Defence is laying the foundation for a more self-reliant, resilient, and globally competitive defence industrial base.
Conclusion
The ₹2,312 crore contract between the Ministry of Defence and HAL for eight Dornier 228 aircraft represents a significant milestone in India’s journey toward defence self-reliance. Beyond strengthening the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capabilities, the programme will generate employment, support MSMEs, and deepen the indigenous aerospace ecosystem. Together, these outcomes underscore how defence procurement is increasingly being aligned with the twin goals of national security and economic self-reliance.
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Source: PIB
