New Delhi. In a boost to the Naval arm of the country and enhance Maritime Domain Awareness and be a force multiplier during search and rescue operations, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh commissioned the fifth Dornier Aircraft Squadron, Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 313 in Chennai.

It will further strengthen the Indian Navy’s efforts to also safeguard maritime interests in the Eastern Seaboard of India.

According to the Indian Navy’s official spokesperson, Captain DK Sharma, “The Squadron will be operating the indigenous Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) built Maritime Surveillance version multi-role Dornier 228 Short Range Maritime reconnaissance aircraft from Chennai Airport,” said Navy’s spokesperson Captain D.K. Sharma.

These aircraft made indigenously by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd is fitted with ‘state-of-the-art’ sensors and equipment. It includes a glass cockpit, Advanced Surveillance Radar, Electronic Sensors and networking features and are also going to further strengthen the Indian Navy’s efforts in maintaining constant surveillance.

Besides, these aircraft would ensure greater surveillance of the coastline which goes up to 7,000 km, and also help in gathering data in areas of operation which will help the Indian Navy to fight other threats in the waters surrounding India.

A contract was awarded to HAL in 2016, for procuring 12 Dornier aircraft for the Indian Navy. Also, in 2018, approval was granted for the mid-life upgrade of 17 Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard.

In an effort to further strengthen India’s coastal security, approval was given by the government for setting up three new Naval Air Squadrons of Dornier aircraft to be stationed in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. And, the sanction was given for getting onboard more personnel for the additional aircraft in the already Dornier Squadrons in the Andaman Islands and Kochi.