Defence Acquisition Council Approves Upgrade Of 17 Dorniers of Indian Coast Guard

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday approved the Mid Life Upgrade of 17 Dornier Aircraft of Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at an approximate cost of Rs. 950 crore. The upgrades will be carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Public Sector Undertaking(PSU) of India under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

ICG is responsible for protecting the national interests in maritime zones of India which entails surveillance of sea areas of approximately 2.01 million square kilometres of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The Coast Guard has a fleet of Dornier aircraft which play a pivotal role in maritime surveillance. Dornier 228 is a twin engine turboprop, highly versatile multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft manufactured by HAL for the Indian Coast Guard. The aircraft is lightweight with wide range of operating speeds and fuel efficient uniqueness. This high winged aircraft is operated by ICG in two variant in 228 – 100 and 228 – 200 series.

The Do-228 designed by German aircraft-maker Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH partnered with HAL for a production license in 1983 to manufacture these planes for the Asian market. So far, HAL’s Kanpur division has produced around 130 Dornier aircraft for the Indian Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, early airline ventures like Vayudoot besides exporting to Mauritius and Seychelles.
  

"In order to enhance the capabilities of the fleet, DAC accorded approval for upgradation of these aircraft with state-of-the-art technology, spares, Special Maintenance Tools (SMT) and Special Test Equipment (STE)," the ministry said . 

According to the ministry, the DAC also approved equipping of three aircraft with Pollution Surveillance Systems. ICG is the nodal agency in India for maritime pollution response.