MoD Signs ₹2,312 Cr Deal with HAL for 8 Dornier-228 Aircraft

✈️ The Deal: HAL & Indian Coast Guard

In a major boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of eight Dornier-228 aircraft.

Contract Value

₹2,312 Crore

Aircraft Count

08 Units

Signed By: The contract was inked in New Delhi on February 12, 2026, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh. The aircraft will be manufactured by HAL's Transport Aircraft Division (TAD) in Kanpur.

🛠️ About Dornier-228 Aircraft

The Dornier-228 is a highly versatile multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft. Here is why it is the backbone of the Coast Guard's aerial fleet:

Short Take-Off & Landing (STOL) Versatility

The aircraft can operate from short and semi-prepared runways, making it ideal for island territories and remote coastal stations.

Role Equipment Surveillance Capabilities

These 8 new aircraft will come fitted with advanced Operational Role Equipment, likely including 360-degree surveillance radar, infrared sensors, and satellite uplinks for real-time data sharing.

Missions Key Operations

Maritime Patrol & Surveillance
Search & Rescue (SAR)
Marine Pollution Contingency
Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC)

📜 'Buy (Indian)' Category (UPSC Focus)

This procurement falls under the "Buy (Indian)" category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020). This is a critical term for Prelims.

Definition

'Buy (Indian)' refers to the acquisition of products from an Indian vendor.

Indigenous Content (IC) Requirement:

Min 50% (if indigenously designed)
Min 60% (if NOT indigenously designed)

Impact on Economy: This contract strengthens HAL’s production ecosystem and supports a vast network of MSMEs and ancillary industries involved in the supply chain. It also ensures long-term business in Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO).

❓ Prelims Practice Questions

Which category of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) was this contract signed under?
A) Buy (Global)
B) Buy (Indian-IDDM)
C) Buy (Indian)
D) Buy & Make (Indian)
Answer: C
Which specific division of HAL will be manufacturing these aircraft?
A) Helicopter Division, Bengaluru
B) Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur
C) Avionics Division, Hyderabad
D) Fighter Aircraft Division, Nasik
Answer: B
Who is the current Defence Secretary of India present during the signing?
A) Shri Giridhar Aramane
B) Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh
C) Shri Ajit Doval
D) Shri T.V. Somanathan
Answer: B
The Dornier-228 is primarily classified as what type of aircraft?
A) Heavy Strategic Airlifter
B) Supersonic Fighter Jet
C) Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) Utility Aircraft
D) Attack Helicopter
Answer: C
Under DAP 2020, what is the minimum Indigenous Content (IC) required for the 'Buy (Indian)' category if the design is NOT indigenous?
A) 30%
B) 40%
C) 50%
D) 60%
Answer: D