"It is satisfying that HAL Kanpur has manufactured the Dornier aircraft three months ahead of schedule...I request you to maintain this record as regard to the Navy, the IAF and our other users. If you want, you can do that, you have proved it," he said while handing over of the Do-228 aircraft to Seychelles.
In the last few years, the two forces have complained about the delivery of their aircraft programmes like the one related to Light Combat Aircraft.
The Do-228 aircraft will be used by Seychelles to enhance its maritime surveillance capabilities. It was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Seychelles Jean-Paul Adam at the Palam technical area here.
"It is yet another milestone of our close friendship between our two countries," Antony said.
The Seychelles Foreign Minister appreciated the gesture and said the Do-228 will enable his country to fight piracy and strengthen the overall security in the Indian Ocean, a Defence Ministry release said.
Applauding the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's transport division, Kanpur, Antony said the aircraft is fitted with the latest state-of-the-art surveillance and communication equipment.
"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," HAL chairman R K Tyagi said on the occasion.
HAL manufactures Dorniers and has world-wide unfettered sales and marketing rights.
The company, which is now making efforts to directly export the aircraft to prospective countries, is trying to exploit military markets in Mauritius, Nepal, Vietnam, South Africa, Afghanistan and Columbia. It also plans to penetrate civil export markets there.
