India gives green light for Do 228 upgrade and light helicopter procurement
India currently has 87 Do 228 aircraft according to Shephard Defence Insight. HAL will begin to upgrade the maritime patrol platform for the IN. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Hindustan Aeronautics will upgrade Indian maritime patrol aircraft and provide LUH rotary-wing platforms.
The Indian Defence Acquisition Council has approved an MLU for Indian Navy (IN) Dornier Do 228 maritime patrol aircraft.
These aircraft had been built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which will also be responsible for the upgrade.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that 87 Do 228s are in service in India.
In September, the IN transferred one Do 228 to the Mauritius Police Force on temporary loan as it awaits its own new-build aircraft. Mauritius now has four such aircraft.
One other important approval by the Defence Acquisition Council in early November was for 12 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to be procured from HAL. Ordering a dozen helicopters initially will not help tremendously, as the Indian military requires something like 187 of them to replace elderly platforms.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push]()
India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push
As a major shortfall in Indian fighter jet capability looms, New Delhi is looking to spread risk and accelerate delivery of its fifth-generation combat aircraft.
-
![USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding]()
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
-
![France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market]()
France air focus: Lower-cost sovereign capabilities propel $11.38 billion UAV market
France is estimated to be Europe’s second-highest spender on UAVs, with a market focused on domestic production, loitering munitions and lower-cost sovereign systems. Its spending profile highlights substantial future market opportunities while reflecting broader industry trends.
