Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced on November 8, 2024, that it has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the avionics upgrade of Dornier-228 transport aircraft, a move aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The contract was confirmed by the MoD in a tweet at 4:11 pm on the same day.

This upgrade project is a notable milestone for HAL, as it incorporates indigenously designed and developed avionics sub-systems, aligning with the Government of India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” (Self-Reliant India Mission). The indigenous components reinforce India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology, showcasing HAL’s contribution to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.

The avionics upgrade is expected to provide a significant boost to the IAF, improving the operational efficiency and capability of its Dornier-228 fleet.