Defence Ministry Gives Nod For Acquisition Of 15 Maritime Patrol Aircraft | Report

A proposal to procure nine maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy and six maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard has been approved by the Defence Ministry, as reported by ANI citing sources familiar with the matter.

The proposed acquisition entails the construction of 15 maritime patrol planes, which will be based on C-295 transport aircraft currently being manufactured in India through a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus, as per the report.

15 Maritime Patrol Aircraft

The government's "Make in India" initiative is being supported by this move, which aims to enhance indigenous defence production capabilities while meeting the country's security needs. The estimated value of these projects, amounting to a whopping ₹29,000 crore, has been reported by ANI.

According to ANI's report, the transport aircraft will be equipped with the necessary radars and sensors and transformed into maritime patrol planes by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).

As per recent statements to ANI by Indian Coast Guard Chief Director General Rakesh Pal, plans are in place to acquire long-range maritime surveillance aircraft, with contracts set to be signed with TASL (Tata Advanced Systems Limited) for six C295 transport aircraft.

Pal mentioned, "The Ministry of Defence is giving us adequate funds to ensure that our acquisition processes are all fast-tracked." These new additions to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard fleets are expected to enhance surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrol capabilities.

The first C-295 transport aircraft manufactured in Spain was recently inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF). While the initial 16 will be sourced from Spain in fly-away condition, the remaining 40 will be produced in India at a Tata facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. With the latest approval to enhance the Navy and Coast Guard surveillance capabilities, the Tata Airbus order book will increase to 71 from the existing 56.