Ministry of Defence Inks Contract with HAL for Mid Life Upgrade of Dornier Aircraft

New Delhi: In a significant development aimed at bolstering India’s maritime capabilities, the Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) of 25 Dornier Aircraft for the Indian Navy. The contract, valued at Rs. 2,890 crore, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the operational readiness of the Indian Navy’s fleet.

The MLU for Dornier Aircraft encompasses a comprehensive upgrade to incorporate state-of-the-art Avionics Systems and Primary Role sensors. This enhancement is poised to substantially augment the operational capability of the Indian Navy’s Dornier aircraft, enabling them to excel in Primary Roles such as Maritime Surveillance, Coastal Surveillance, Electronic Intelligence, and the development of Maritime Domain Awareness. Additionally, the upgraded aircraft will be capable of performing Secondary Roles, including Search and Rescue, Medical/Casualty Evacuation, and Communication Link.

Moreover, the Mid Life Upgrade of 25 Dornier Aircraft is projected to generate employment opportunities, with an estimated 1.8 Lakh Man-days expected to be created during the execution span of 6.5 years. This indigenous upgrade initiative underscores the government’s emphasis on promoting “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in Defence, aligning with the Make-in-India initiative.