India Approves Acquisition of 15 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft to Bolster Naval and Coast Guard Capabilities

In a significant move to strengthen its maritime surveillance and patrol capabilities, the Indian Defence Ministry has approved the procurement of fifteen maritime surveillance aircraft for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. According to a report by ANI, the Indian Navy will acquire nine of these aircraft, while the remaining six will be added to the Indian Coast Guard fleet. This acquisition is part of a broader initiative to bolster the country’s defense capabilities and enhance its indigenous defense production under the “Make in India” initiative.

The aircraft, based on the C-295 transport planes, will be manufactured in a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems and Airbus, marking a significant step towards augmenting India’s defense manufacturing capabilities. The project, valued at an estimated ₹29,000 crore, will see these transport aircraft equipped with advanced radars and sensors, transformed into maritime patrol planes by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).

This strategic acquisition is expected to significantly enhance the surveillance, reconnaissance, and patrol capabilities of both the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. The move comes shortly after the Indian Air Force inducted its first C-295 transport aircraft, signaling a broader commitment to upgrading India’s military assets and infrastructure. The addition of these aircraft to the Tata Airbus order book, increasing it to 71 from the existing 56, underscores the growing emphasis on strengthening national security and promoting domestic aerospace manufacturing.

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