Mauritius to buy HAL-built Dornier aircraft

Mauritius is acquiring Dornier aircraft from India's state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for maritime surveillance along its long coastline, an official said here Friday.

"The twin-turboprop short takeoff and landing aircraft, valued at Rs.100 crore ($16 million) will boost our exports, as it is fitted with role-specific equipment to meet the special requirements of Mauritius," HAL chairman R.K. Tyagi said in a statement.

The city-based company has till date delivered to Mauritius helicopters like Cheetah, Chetak and Dhruv and two Dornier aircraft in the maritime version.

"The inclusion of Dornier (Do228) in the national coast guard will enhance search and rescue capability of Mauritius police force and provide strategic depth to policing its exclusive economic zone," he said on the occasion.

Chief executive in Mauritius' Prime Minister's Office Kan Oye Fong Weng Poorun signed the deal with HAL managing director S. Subrahmanyan at Port Louis Thursday.

With 360 degree surveillance radar, infra-red system, traffic collision and avoidance system, weather radar and customised sensors, the 19-seater multi-purpose aircraft is full efficient, rugged and light weight with retractable tricycle landing gear.

The Dornier can carry 2,850 litres of fuel.