Sources said that the aircraft, which has a proven record in the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, will go up for competition against western platforms but is likely to emerge as a very cost-effective solution. The requirement is for seven aircraft that can perform a variety of coastal tasks.
The Dornier platform has undergone significant modernisation over the years and has a glass cockpit, maritime patrol radar, electro optic infra-red device, mission management system among other modern aids. It is manufactured in Kanpur with ongoing orders for the Navy and Coast Guard.
The aircraft has been an integral part of the Indian Coast Guard and has been instrumental in both surveillance and search and rescue operations. Recently, a coast guard Dornier, undertaking a patrol near the Andaman islands, identified a suspicious vessel, leading to the largest-ever narcotics recovery at sea.
India has been trying to actively increase its defence exports, with all public sector companies as well as Indian missions abroad given clear guidelines to explore all possibilities. Industry leaders say that the support being provided by Indian missions abroad is unprecedented and has resulted in significant penetration into markets that were earlier deemed to be too difficult to enter.
RISING DEFENCE EXPORTSOfficials said defence exports, which were to the tune of ₹2,000 crore annually a decade ago, have risen to ₹21,000 crore in the latest financial year. The target is to increase this over the next few years, an initiative that is being helped by a global requirement of weapon systems and artillery ammunition in particular.
