HAL gets new order of Rs 667 crore

The Ministry of Defense entered into an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for purchasing six Dornier-228 planes for the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a price of Rs 667 crore.

According to the MoD, the addition will strengthen the IAF's capabilities in the Northeast and on the country's island territories.

The Dornier-228 is a 19-seat multi-purpose light transport aircraft. The aircraft was custom-built with a focus on functionality and can be utilized for a range of purposes such as transporting people and goods, operating air-taxi services, executing coastal guard duties, and conducting sea-based monitoring operations.

The state-owned HAL manufactures the German-origin Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) twin turboprop aircraft, which has been in service with the IAF, Navy, and Coast Guard for over three decades.

In the beginning, the Indian Air Force employed the aircraft primarily for transporting routes and communication tasks. Over time, it has also been utilized for instructing IAF transport pilots. According to the Ministry of Defence, the newest batch of six aircraft will feature an advanced fuel-efficient engine and a five-bladed composite propeller.

As per a press statement from the Ministry of Defence, the aircraft is a perfect fit for undertaking short-distance flights from partially developed or brief airstrips located in India's North East and islands. 

The procurement of six additional aircraft will augment the Indian Air Force's operational capacity in these far-flung regions.

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