By providing the Malaysian Coast Guard with the Dornier 228 aircraft, which includes possibilities for knowledge transfer, India is establishing a significant position in the global defense industry. According to Manu Pubby of ET News, this project is a component of India’s larger objective to increase its defense exports and strengthen its alliances with other countries, especially in Southeast Asia.
The Dornier 228 is a multipurpose twin-turboprop utility plane that was mainly made for short-haul and maritime surveillance missions.
Originally created in Germany, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India took over production. Since then, HAL has updated the aircraft’s avionics and fuel-efficient engines.
India wants to improve defense cooperation with Malaysia, which has been looking for ways to improve its maritime capabilities in the face of regional security challenges, by providing the Dornier 228.
The deal’s inclusion of technology transfer is very significant. This feature not only increases Malaysia’s interest in the offer but also supports India’s “Make in India” campaign, which encourages homegrown production and innovation in the defense industry.
This action is a component of India’s larger plan to boost its defense exports, which have grown significantly in recent years. India’s defense exports increased tenfold from FY17 to FY23, totaling over $1.95 billion. The Dornier 228’s operational dependability and adaptability have been demonstrated by its successful exports to a number of nations, including Bangladesh and the Seychelles.
In light of escalating tensions in the South China Sea and neighboring areas, Malaysia is seeking to strengthen its maritime security capabilities at the time of the offer. In order to protect its marine interests, Malaysia now needs to have efficient patrol and surveillance capabilities.
In addition to strengthening its own defense industry, India helps its regional partners tackle shared security threats by supplying cutting-edge platforms like the Dornier 228. This illustrates India’s determination to promote cooperative security arrangements in Southeast Asia while fending off pressure from other international powers.
An important step in enhancing bilateral defense ties, encouraging technological cooperation, and increasing its influence in the global defense market is India’s offer of the Dornier 228 to the Malaysian Coast Guard.
