Overview
- The Defence Ministry signed the contract in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh.
- The purchase includes Operational Role Equipment and is placed under the Buy (Indian) category.
- The Dornier 228 is a twin‑engine maritime patrol aircraft used for surveillance, search and rescue, pollution response, and medical evacuation.
- The government says the programme will generate direct and indirect employment, support MSMEs, and open maintenance and life‑cycle support opportunities.
- The signing coincides with DAC approvals worth about Rs 3.60 lakh crore, including a cleared proposal to procure 114 Rafale jets from France.