In a significant move to enhance its naval capabilities, the Indian Defence Ministry has sealed a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a leading state-run aerospace enterprise, for a comprehensive mid-life upgrade of 25 Dornier aircraft operated by the Indian Navy. The contract, valued at over ₹2,890 crore, was officially signed on March 15, marking a pivotal step in modernizing the fleet.
This ambitious project, set to be executed within a span of six and a half years, aims at equipping the Dornier aircraft with advanced avionics systems and sensors, catapulting their operational effectiveness to new heights. The upgraded aircraft will play a crucial role in maritime and coastal surveillance, electronic intelligence gathering, and fostering maritime domain awareness. Furthermore, these enhancements will enable the aircraft to efficiently undertake secondary roles such as search and rescue operations, medical evacuations, and serve as vital communication links.
The Defence Ministry highlighted the significance of this upgrade, stating it would “significantly enhance the operational capability” of the Indian Navy’s Dornier fleet. The inclusion of state-of-the-art technology is expected to fortify India’s surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities over its maritime borders, ensuring better preparedness against threats.
Moreover, the project is anticipated to generate approximately 1.8 lakh mandays of employment over its course, underlining its contribution to job creation. It also stands as a testament to India’s commitment towards ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defence through the prioritization of indigenous resources and alignment with the government’s Make-in-India initiative. This strategic upgrade not only boosts the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities but also propels the nation’s defence manufacturing sector towards greater self-sufficiency and technological advancement.
