For the mid-life upgrade (MLU) of 25 Dornier aircraft flying with the Indian Navy, on Friday the Ministry of Defence and the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a contract worth over Rs 2,890 cr. The contract also includes associated equipment for the Indian Navy.
What will the upgrade include?
According to the Ministry of Defence, the MLU for Dornier aircraft will include an upgrade to incorporate state-of-the art Avionics Systems and Primary Role sensors.
Why is this important?
With this upgrade, the operational capability of the Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy will be significantly enhanced. It will carry out the main roles of maritime surveillance, coastal surveillance, electronic intelligence and development of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA).
Also, according to an official statement issued by the ministry, this upgrade will enable Indian Navy Dornier aircraft to carry out secondary roles of Search and Rescue, Medical/Casualty Evacuation and Communication Link.
During its execution span of over 6.5 years, the MLU of 25 Dorniers is expected to generate an employment of 1.8 Lakh man- days. The indigenous upgrade entails supply of major systems and equipment from indigenous sources will contribute towards “Atma nirbharta” in Defence, in consonance with Make-in-India initiative of the government.
About Dorniers
These aircraft play a major role in enhancing MDA and are a force multiplier during search and rescue operations. And are fitted with ‘state-of-the-art’ sensors and equipment including a glass cockpit, Advanced Surveillance Radar, Electronic Sensors and networking features and are also going to further strengthen the Indian Navy’s efforts in maintaining constant surveillance. They also ensure greater surveillance of the coastline which goes up to 7,000 km and gather data in areas of operation.