The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Transport Aircraft Division in Kanpur for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft along with operational role equipment for the Indian Coast Guard. The procurement was concluded on 12 February 2026 under the Buy (Indian) category at a value of Rs 23,120 million (23,120 mn). The agreement was finalised in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi. The package includes operational role equipment tailored to maritime missions.

The programme is expected to strengthen HAL's production ecosystem and support a wide network of micro, small and medium enterprises and ancillary industries by generating significant direct and indirect employment. It will also create sustained opportunities in maintenance, repair and overhaul and for life cycle technical support for the fleet. The contract is intended to enhance indigenisation and reinforce long term indigenous supply chains. The initiative is expected to benefit regional suppliers and foster long term collaborations.

The acquisition is projected to bolster the country's maritime security architecture by augmenting surveillance and operational reach of the Indian Coast Guard. The Dornier 228 platform will provide maritime reconnaissance, search and rescue and coastal patrol capabilities that are central to coastal security operations. The equipment package is expected to be integrated with existing Coast Guard assets to improve mission readiness.

The transaction aligns with the government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India objectives by prioritising domestic manufacture and sustained technical support. Officials indicated that the programme will support skill development and technology absorption across the defence industrial base. The contract is part of broader efforts to modernise maritime surveillance through indigenously manufactured platforms.