13 Feb 2026·Source: The Indian Express

3 min

Polity & GovernanceEconomyNEWS

Government Approves Acquisition of Dornier 228 Aircraft for Coast Guard

Government signs ₹2,803 crore contract with HAL for Coast Guard's operational equipment.

The government has signed a ₹2,803 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The deal includes operational role equipment. This will boost the ICG's maritime surveillance capabilities.

Key Facts

The contract is worth ₹2,803 crore.

The aircraft will be supplied by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The deal includes operational role equipment.

The acquisition aims to boost the ICG's maritime surveillance capabilities.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper 3: Security challenges and their management in border areas; linkages of organized crime with terrorism.

Connects to the syllabus through maritime security, defense procurement, and indigenous defense production.

Potential question types include statement-based MCQs on the role and functions of the Indian Coast Guard, and analytical questions on the challenges of maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

Visual Insights

Key Figures: Dornier 228 Aircraft Acquisition

Highlights key figures related to the acquisition of Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard.

Contract Value: ₹2,803 crore
Number of Aircraft: 8

More Information

Background

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978. Its primary duty is to protect India's maritime interests and enforce maritime law. The ICG operates under the Ministry of Defence. The need for a dedicated coast guard arose from increasing maritime activities and the necessity to safeguard India's vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Over the years, the ICG has evolved significantly, expanding its fleet and responsibilities. Initially, it started with a small number of patrol vessels and has grown into a formidable force with advanced ships, aircraft, and surveillance systems. Key milestones include the acquisition of advanced technology for maritime surveillance and the establishment of regional headquarters along the coastline. The ICG plays a crucial role in search and rescue operations, combating smuggling, and protecting marine environment. The legal framework governing the ICG includes the Coast Guard Act, 1978, which defines its powers and functions. The ICG works in close coordination with other agencies such as the Indian Navy, customs, and fisheries departments to ensure comprehensive maritime security. The Act empowers the ICG to enforce laws within India's maritime zones and to cooperate with international agencies in combating transnational crimes at sea. The ICG also plays a vital role in implementing international maritime conventions and protocols to which India is a signatory.

Latest Developments

The acquisition of Dornier 228 aircraft is part of the ongoing efforts to modernize the Indian Coast Guard and enhance its operational capabilities. The government has been focusing on strengthening maritime security in light of evolving threats and challenges in the Indian Ocean region. Recent initiatives include increased surveillance along the coastline, enhanced coordination with coastal states, and participation in joint exercises with friendly countries. There are ongoing debates regarding the optimal balance between indigenization and procurement of defense equipment. While the government emphasizes domestic manufacturing under the 'Make in India' initiative, there are concerns about the timely delivery and technological capabilities of indigenous platforms. Stakeholders include the Ministry of Defence, HAL, private sector defense companies, and the armed forces, each with their own perspectives on procurement policies and priorities. Looking ahead, the Indian Coast Guard is expected to further expand its fleet and enhance its surveillance capabilities with the induction of more advanced platforms and technologies. The government has set targets for increasing the number of ships, aircraft, and personnel in the ICG to meet the growing maritime security challenges. Key milestones include the commissioning of new vessels, the acquisition of advanced sensors and communication systems, and the strengthening of coastal infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about the Dornier 228 aircraft acquisition that are important for the UPSC Prelims exam?

The key facts for Prelims include: the contract value of ₹2,803 crore, the supplier being Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the number of aircraft being 8, and the purpose of enhancing the Indian Coast Guard's maritime surveillance capabilities.

Exam Tip

Remember the numerical data (₹2,803 crore, 8 aircraft) as these are frequently tested in Prelims.

2. Why is the acquisition of Dornier 228 aircraft important for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)?

The acquisition aims to boost the ICG's maritime surveillance capabilities, enabling them to better protect India's maritime interests and enforce maritime law within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This is crucial for national security and economic stability.

3. What is the role of the Indian Coast Guard, and how does this acquisition contribute to their mandate?

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is responsible for protecting India's maritime interests and enforcing maritime law. The Dornier 228 aircraft will enhance their surveillance capabilities, allowing them to more effectively monitor India's coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), thus fulfilling their mandate.

4. How does the Dornier 228 aircraft acquisition align with the 'Make in India' initiative?

Since the aircraft are being supplied by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an Indian company, this acquisition aligns with the 'Make in India' initiative, which promotes domestic manufacturing and reduces reliance on foreign imports in the defense sector.

5. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of acquiring Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard?

Benefits include enhanced maritime surveillance, improved coastal security, and support for the 'Make in India' initiative. A potential drawback could be the cost involved (₹2,803 crore) and the need for trained personnel to operate and maintain the aircraft.

6. What are the recent developments related to strengthening maritime security in India?

Recent developments include increased surveillance along the coastline, enhanced coordination with coastal states, and the acquisition of Dornier 228 aircraft to modernize the Indian Coast Guard and enhance its operational capabilities.

7. How might the acquisition of these aircraft impact common citizens?

Enhanced maritime security through the acquisition of Dornier 228 aircraft can lead to safer coastal areas, protection of fishing resources, and reduced illegal activities at sea, ultimately benefiting common citizens who depend on the sea for their livelihoods or reside in coastal regions.

8. What is the background context that led to the establishment of the Indian Coast Guard?

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was established due to increasing maritime activities and the necessity to safeguard India's vast coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). It was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978.

9. Under which ministry does the Indian Coast Guard operate?

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) operates under the Ministry of Defence.

10. What government initiatives are in place to support the modernization of the Indian Coast Guard?

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Coast Guard (ICG): 1. The ICG was established in 1977 under the Ministry of Home Affairs. 2. The Coast Guard Act, 1978 defines the powers and functions of the ICG. 3. The primary duty of the ICG is to protect India's maritime interests and enforce maritime law. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The ICG was established in 1977 but it operates under the Ministry of Defence, not the Ministry of Home Affairs. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Coast Guard Act, 1978 indeed defines the powers and functions of the ICG. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The primary duty of the ICG is to protect India's maritime interests and enforce maritime law.

2. The recent acquisition of Dornier 228 aircraft by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) involves a contract of approximately what amount?

A.₹1,803 crore
B.₹2,803 crore
C.₹3,803 crore
D.₹4,803 crore

Show Answer

Answer: B

The contract for the acquisition of eight Dornier 228 aircraft for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is worth ₹2,803 crore, as per the news summary.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the role of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG)?

A.Conducting search and rescue operations.
B.Combating smuggling and piracy.
C.Protecting marine environment and resources.
D.Managing inland waterways and river navigation.

Show Answer

Answer: D

Options A, B, and C are all correct roles of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Option D is NOT correct. Managing inland waterways and river navigation is typically the responsibility of other agencies, not the ICG.