Mauritius signs deal for HAL’s Dornier aircraft

The Mauritius Government has signed a contract with India’s defence PSU HAL for the procurement of Dornier aircraft, in a bid to bolster its maritime surveillance across its extensive coastline.

HAL chairman Dr RK Tyagi said: "Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), External Affairs, our Coast Guard, and Government of Mauritius, this contract worth nearly Rupees 100 crores (USD 16 million) gives boost to our export efforts."

Further, the procurement of Dornier would enable the Mauritius’ National Coast Guard and Mauritius Police Force to bolster their present search and rescue capability and deliver strategic depth to policing the extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Integrating a retractable tricycle landing gear and duplicate controls, HAL’s maritime aircraft can accommodate two crew members, while can even have room for 19 passengers in commuter configuration.

Features of the aircraft include a combined 360 degree Surveillance Radar, Forward Looking Infra-Red System, Traffic Collision and Avoidance System, Weather Radar, in addition to other customer specified sensors.

HAL’s aircraft also features a range of in-built features including highest fuel carrying capacity of 2850l; low structural weight; high wing design; wide wheel base; short take-off and landing capability; sturdy landing gears; rectangular cabin; low floor level and wide door for easy loading/unloading of cargo.

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Image: HAL and the Government of Mauritius officials during the signing of the deal. Photo: courtesy of Hnidustan Aeronautics Limited.