The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the manufacture and delivery of eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with Operational Role Equipment for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) under the Buy (Indian) category. The agreement was formalised in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on February 12, 2026.
This programme is expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment by strengthening HAL’s production ecosystem and supporting a broad network of MSMEs and ancillary industries involved in manufacturing and maintenance. It will also create sustained opportunities in Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) and life-cycle technical support.
The contract reinforces the Government’s commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make-in-India initiative, while bolstering India’s maritime surveillance and security architecture in cooperation with the Indian Coast Guard.
