New Delhi: The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on March 15 for the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of 25 Dornier aircraft flying with the Indian Navy at a cost of Rs 2,890 crore. The contract also includes associated equipment for the Indian Navy.

The MLU for Dornier aircraft will include an upgrade to incorporate state-of-the art avionics systems and primary role sensors, according to the Ministry of Defence.

The project will be implemented within six and half years, the defence ministry said. The operational capability of the Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy will be significantly enhanced with this upgrade. It will carry out the main roles of maritime surveillance, coastal surveillance, electronic intelligence and development of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).

In addition, this upgrade will enable Indian Navy Dornier aircraft to carry out secondary roles of search and rescue, medical/casualty evacuation and communication link, according to an official statement issued by the ministry.

The MLU of 25 Dorniers is expected to generate an employment of 1.8 Lakh man- days during its execution span of over 6.5 years. The indigenous upgrade entails supply of major systems and equipment from indigenous sources will contribute towards “Aatmanirbharta” in Defence, in consonance with Make-in-India initiative of the government, the ministry said.

Dornier aircraft play a major role in enhancing MDA and are a force multiplier during search and rescue operations. Fitted with ‘state-of-the-art’ sensors and equipment including a glass cockpit, advanced surveillance radar, electronic sensors and networking features, these aircraft are going to further strengthen the Indian Navy’s efforts in maintaining constant surveillance of the coastline which goes up to 7,000 km and gather data in areas of operation.