The Defence Ministry has approved a proposal to procure nine maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy and six maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard.

Defence Ministry Approves Acquisition Of 15 Maritime Patrol Aircraft

The Defence Ministry has approved a proposal to procure nine maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy and six maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard, reported ANI quoting people aware of the development. The proposed acquisition involves the construction of 15 maritime patrol planes, which will be based on the domestically manufactured C-295 transport aircraft.

This move aligns with the government’s “Make in India” initiative, aiming to enhance indigenous defence production capabilities while meeting the country’s security needs. The estimated value of these projects stands at a whopping ₹29,000 crore, reported ANI. These new additions to the Indian Navy and ICG fleets are expected to enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrol capabilities.

First C295 ‘Make in India’ in 2026

To boost self-reliance in the defence-manufacturing sector in India, the remaining 40 C295s of the IAF order will be manufactured and assembled – in partnership with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) – at a Final Assembly Line in Vadodara in western India. The production of components of these aircraft has already started in the Main Constituent Assembly (MCA) facility in Hyderabad. These parts will be shipped to the Vadovara FAL, which is expected to be operational by November 2024.

The first ‘Make in India’ C295 will roll out of the Vadodara FAL in September 2026 in what will be a milestone for the Indian aerospace industry; the final aircraft expected to be delivered to the IAF by August 2031.