Boost to IAF's op-capability, India signs Rs 667 crore contract for 6 Dornier-228 aircraft from HAL

The present lot of six aircraft will be procured with an upgraded fuel-efficient engine coupled with a five bladed composite propeller.

Ministry of Defence on Friday signed a contract for procurement of six Dornier-228 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at a cost of Rs 667 crore.

The aircraft was used by IAF for Route Transport Role and communication duties. Subsequently, it has also been used for training of transport pilots of the IAF.

"The MoD has signed a contract for six upgraded Dornier-228 aircraft for IAF from HAL at a cost of Rs 667 crore. The Dornier-228 aircraft to further bolster IAF op-capability from remote areas with short, semi-prepared runways," tweeted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The present lot of six aircraft will be procured with an upgraded fuel-efficient engine coupled with a five bladed composite propeller.

The aircraft is ideally suited for short haul operations from semi-prepared/short runways of the North East and island chains of India. The addition of the six aircraft will further bolster the operational capability of the IAF in the remote areas.

In India, the Dornier 228 is used extensively by the Indian armed forces, as well as for civilian purposes such as passenger transport, cargo transport, and maritime surveillance.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a fleet of over 40 Dornier 228 aircraft for various purposes including transport, reconnaissance, and maritime surveillance. These aircraft are operated by the IAF's No. 41 Squadron, which is based at Palam Air Force Station in Delhi. The Indian Navy also operates a number of Dornier 228 aircraft for maritime surveillance and search and rescue operations.

Several Indian airlines also operate the Dornier 228 for regional and remote area passenger transport, including Air India Regional, Pawan Hans, and Turbo Aviation. In addition, the Indian Coast Guard uses the Dornier 228 for maritime surveillance and search and rescue operations.

The Dornier 228 is considered a versatile and reliable aircraft for operations in India's diverse terrain, including mountainous and coastal areas. It is also well-suited for operations in hot and humid conditions, which are common in many parts of India.