Defence Ministry contracts HAL for Indian Navy's 25 Dornier upgrades

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 07-02-2025

Defence Ministry contracts HAL for Indian Navy's 25 Dornier upgrades

Defence 4 min read

The Defence Ministry on March 15, 2024 signed a contract worth over Rs 2,890 crore with HAL for 'Mid Life Upgrade (MLU)' of 25 Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy.

Also the Defence Ministry has signed a contract with HAL for various types of equipment for the Indian Navy.

MLU of Dornier aircraft:

The ‘MLU’ of the Dornier aircraft involves upgrading it to include state-of-the-art avionics systems and primary role sensors.
This upgrade would significantly increase the operational capability of the Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy.

Benefits of MLU:

With Dornier aircraft being 'MLU', it would become easier for the Indian Navy to keep surveillance on the coasts. It would also have the following benefits:
- Sea monitoring
- Monitoring the coasts
- Electronic intelligence
- Basic functions of maritime security.
Upgraded Indian Navy Dornier aircraft to perform search and rescue, medical evacuation and communication roles.
The MLU of 25 Dornier aircraft would generate 1.8 lakh mandays as employment during its implementation period of 6.5 years.
This indigenous upgrade includes supply of major systems and equipment from indigenous sources.
This would contribute significantly to 'self-reliance' in the defense sector in line with the 'Make-in-India' initiative of the Government of India.

About Dornier Aircraft:

These aircraft are equipped with many modern equipment.
It includes a glass cockpit, maritime surveillance radar, electro-optic infrared equipment and a mission management system.
Dornier aircraft are being indigenously manufactured at HAL (Transport Aircraft Division), Kanpur.
Upgraded Dornier aircraft contribute to defence self-reliance under 'Make in India'. The addition of upgraded Dornier aircraft will enhance aerial surveillance for ICG maritime areas.

This aircraft is also suitable for Air Force:

Dornier aircraft have been used in the Air Force in the past. It has been used by the Indian Air Force for route transport and communication related military work.
Along with this, these aircraft have also been used for transportation and training of pilots of the Indian Air Force.
The aircraft is equipped with a five-bladed composite propeller along with an advanced fuel-efficient engine.
The aircraft is ideally suited for short range operations from the semi-finished, short runways of the North East and the island chains of India. These aircraft will further increase the operational capability of the Indian Air Force in remote areas.

India delivered a Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft to Sri Lanka in August 2023 for the 77th Independence Day.