The Ministry of Defence inked a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday for the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) of 25 Dornier Aircraft along with associated equipment for the Navy.
Under the project, the HAL will incorporate state-of-the-art avionics systems and sensors onboard the aircraft.
The pact, a step towards enhancing the operational capability of naval forces, is anticipated to generate employment opportunities, amounting to 1.8 lakh man-days during its execution span of six and a half years, in a major push to the Centre’s “Atmanirbharta” (self-reliance) in Defence.
The defence ministry said the project will be implemented within six and half years.
“The upgrade would significantly enhance the operational capability of the Dornier aircraft of the Indian Navy to perform primary roles of maritime surveillance, coastal surveillance, electronic intelligence and development of maritime domain awareness,” the defence ministry stated.
“The MLU for Dornier aircraft includes an upgrade to incorporate state-of-the-art avionics systems and primary role sensors,” the ministry said.
“In addition, this upgrade will also enable Indian Navy Dorniers to carry out secondary roles of search and rescue, medical/casualty evacuation and communication link,” it further said.
Source Agencies
