India gifts HAL Do-228 aircraft to Seychelles -Governance Now

India gifts HAL Do-228 aircraft to Seychelles

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s aircraft is slated to fly on the island nation’s Independence Day

GN Bureau | June 26, 2018

#India #Economic Zone #Seychelles #Sushma Swaraj #HAL #PSU #Delhi

India has gifted a HAL Do-228 aircraft to the Republic of Seychelles at a ceremony in New Delhi on June 26.The aircraft was handed over by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to the President, Republic of Seychelles Danny Faure. India believes that this will strengthen the maritime surveillance of the island nation.

The timing of handing over the aircraft holds significance as Seychelles will be celebrating its 42nd Independence Day on June 29 and the aircraft would be flown on the day. Appreciating India’s support, President Faure described the momentous occasion as a historical day and said the inclusion of HAL Do-228 aircraft would bolster the coastal surveillance of Seychelles and provide strategic assistance in policing its extensive exclusive economic zone.

The aircraft, manufactured by HAL is equipped with combination of 360 degree surveillance radar, forward looking infrared system, satellite communication etc and host of other customer specified sensors.

The first such aircraft was handed over to Seychelles on January 31, 2013 ahead of promised delivery schedule. During his visit to Seychelles in March 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that India would gift one additional Do-228 aircraft to Seychelles. Accordingly, the contract for supply of Do-228 to Seychelles was signed between HAL and MEA on March 16, 2017 followed by another contract between the government of Seychelles and HAL on March 29, 2017.

The aircraft is designed for multipurpose utility like EEZ monitoring, maritime surveillance, pollution monitoring and control, search and rescue and commuter services. The aircraft is designed to accommodate a crew of 21 members.

Describing the event as another milestone in furthering bilateral defence cooperation between India and Seychelles, Swaraj said, “The handing over of HAL Do 228 to Seychelles reflects the firm commitment and continued engagement of the government of India in further developing, consolidating and expanding the comprehensive multifaceted cooperation between India and Seychelles”.

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