Days ahead of Aero India 2013, in a sign of increasing regional cooperation and power projection, the Indian Government today handed over a HAL-built Dornier Do-228 maritime reconnaissance aircraft to Seychelles on January 31 in Delhi.

According to HAL, licensed builder of the aircraft, “The maritime surveillance aircraft will be used to guard the extensive coastline of the island nation.” Defence Minister A.K. Antony said, “It is yet another milestone of our close friendship between our two countries.” The Seychelles Foreign Minister Jean-Paul Adam said the aircraft would help his country’s war on piracy and strengthen overall security in the Indian Ocean region.

HAL Chairman Dr R.K. Tyagi said, “The aircraft to be provided to Seychelles will be supported by HAL team for maintenance on site to enable the new user get the requisite expertise.” The aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and is excellent platform of maritime applications. HAL manufactures this aircraft under licence agreement with the erstwhile Dornier GmbH of Germany at its Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur, and has worldwide unfettered sales and marketing rights.