After two abortive attempts since 2008, the Indian navy this month is hoping to finally jump-start the process to acquire six medium-range maritime reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft. Maritime surveillance has been a high priority in Indian national security circles since the 2008 Mumbai attack, when terrorists infiltrated India by sea. The competition for the $750 million program will seek to provide the navy with aircraft that augment its small fleet of upgraded Ilyushin 11-38 Mays for littoral reconnaissance and anti-surface warfare. The navy's requirement was framed to fill a perceived capability gap between its Dornier 228 fleet—used for near-shore patrol—and its Tupoelov Tu-142 Bears and 12 future Boeing P-8Is for long-range operations. The navy currently has five II-38 maritime patrol aircraft, including one still in Russia being fitted with the Sea Dragon suite. The program could double in size, with options for six more aircraft planned.
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