In a major boost for the Indian Coast Guard's patrolling and surveillance capabilities, the country's Defense Ministry on Friday signed a deal on procuring two Dornier aircraft from the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at $55.35 million for the maritime agency.
"The aircraft will be fitted with a number of advanced equipment viz., Glass Cockpit, Maritime Patrol Radar, Electro Optic Infra-Red device, Mission Management System etc," the ministry said in a statement.
This will further bolster the aerial surveillance capability of the ICG in its operational maritime zone, the ministry noted.
Aircraft to Be Manufactured Under ‘Make in India’ Initiative
The Dornier aircraft will be manufactured under the federal government's "Make in India" initiative.
"Make in India" is the flagship program of the Indian government that envisages transforming India from the world's largest importer of defense equipment to a self-reliant nation in weapons systems and other military products.
The Dornier aircraft will be built at the HAL factory in Kanpur city in Uttar Pradesh state.