Dornier 228 Aircraft

Category: Defence & Aviation Technology | GS Paper III

SEO Title: Dornier 228 Aircraft: Features, HAL Manufacturing, Defence Uses and Latest Indian Coast Guard Contract

UPSC Notes

The Dornier 228 is a twin-engine turboprop utility aircraft used for transport, surveillance and maritime operations. In India, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) manufactures the aircraft.

  • Manufacturer in India: HAL, Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur.

  • Design: Twin-engine turboprop aircraft suited to short take-off and landing operations.

  • Applications: Maritime surveillance, transport, search and rescue, patrol and regional connectivity.

  • Defence relevance: Supports India's coastal surveillance and maritime security capabilities.

  • Indigenous production: Supports domestic aerospace manufacturing and maintenance infrastructure.

  • Recent development: On 12 February 2026, the Ministry of Defence signed a ₹2,312 crore contract with HAL for eight Dornier 228 aircraft, including operational role equipment, for the Indian Coast Guard.

Key Pointers

  • Indian manufacturer: HAL.

  • Aircraft type: Twin-engine turboprop.

  • Important operator: Indian Coast Guard.

  • Latest development in the cited source: Contract for eight aircraft in February 2026.

  • Link to Make in India and maritime domain awareness.