Defence Ministry inks (10th March 2023) contract with HAL to procure 6 Dornier aircraft.

The defence ministry on Friday (10th March 2023) 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 ₹667 crore.

* The addition of the six aircraft will further bolster the operational capability of the IAF in remote areas, the ministry said announcing the contract.

* The Dornier-228 aircraft is a highly versatile multi-purpose light transport aircraft. It has been developed specifically to meet the manifold requirements of utility and commuter transport as well as for maritime surveillance.

* ‘’The aircraft was used by IAF for route transport roles and communication duties. Subsequently, it has also been used for training of transport pilots of the IAF,‘’ it said.

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

* The aircraft is ideally suited for short haul operations from semi-prepared/short runways of the North East and island chains of India.

* Earlier on Tuesday, the defence ministry sealed a deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft at a cost of over ₹6,800 crore for the Indian Air Force.

* The ministry also finalised a contract with the Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) for acquisition of three cadet training ships worth over ₹3,100 crore...

Source : Mint