Indian Navy Deployed Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft to Seychelles

The Indian Navy announced on 23 February 2011 that deployed a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft to Seychelles for anti-piracy patrols and surveillance of the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Besides guarding the Exclusive Economic Zone, the maritime patrol aircraft would be used for anti-piracy patrol duties. Dornier maritime patrol aircraft is stationed at Victoria and will be operated by an Indian aircrew. The maritime patrol aircraft was sent on the Seychelles government’s request as a stop-gap arrangement till a new Dornier under manufacture at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is handed over. Besides Dornier, two Chetak maritime choppers would also be sent to the Seychelles for its fight against sea-pirates.

India and the Seychelles had agreed to enhance cooperation in maritime security areas after a two-day visit by defence minister A K Antony to the island nation in July 2010.