Boost to IAF's operational capability: MoD signs deal with HAL for six Dornier-228 aircrafts

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

Anish Kumar

First Published Mar 10, 2023, 6:58 PM IST | Last Updated Mar 10, 2023, 6:58 PM IST

New Delhi: Aimed to forward bolster the Indian Air Force capability, the defence ministry inked a deal worth Rs 667 crore for the procurement of six Dornier-228 aircrafts from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The Indian Air Force had used the aircraft for Route Transport Roles and communication duties.

Subsequently, the Dornier aircraft was also used to train transport pilots of the IAF.

"The present lot of six aircraft will be procured with an upgraded fuel-efficient engine coupled with a five-bladed composite propeller," the defence ministry said.

As per the ministry, the aircraft is ideally suited for short-haul operations from semi-prepared/short runways of India's North East and island chains.

Its addition to the force will further bolster the operational capability of the IAF in the remote areas, it said.

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