New Delhi: In a significant development, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has sealed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) of 25 Dornier Aircraft, accompanied by associated equipment, for the Indian Navy. The contract, valued at Rs 2,890 crore, was finalized on Friday.
The MLU project encompasses an upgrade aimed at integrating cutting-edge Avionics Systems and Primary Role sensors into the Dornier Aircraft.
Highlighting the strategic importance of this upgrade, the Ministry of Defence emphasized that it would substantially bolster the operational prowess of Indian Navy Dornier aircraft. These enhancements are tailored to optimize the aircraft’s performance in crucial maritime roles such as surveillance—both maritime and coastal—electronic intelligence gathering, and the development of maritime domain awareness.
Furthermore, the upgraded Dornier aircraft will be equipped to undertake Secondary Roles including Search and Rescue missions, Medical/Casualty Evacuation, and Communication Link operations.
The implementation of the Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) initiative is anticipated to generate significant employment opportunities, estimated at 1.8 lakh man-days over the project’s duration of 6.5 years.
This indigenous upgrade initiative underscores the government’s commitment to self-reliance in defence, aligning closely with the Make-in-India initiative. By sourcing major systems and equipment domestically, the project contributes significantly towards achieving self-sufficiency in defence production.