New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines for the Indian Air Forces SU-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The deal, valued at over Rs 26,000 crore, involves sourcing the engines from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a key player in Indias defense manufacturing sector.Major upgrade for SU-30 MKI fleetThis approval follows the Ministry of Defences earlier nod for a comprehensive upgrade of the SU-30 MKI fleet, a project worth Rs 60,000 crore. The upgrades are designed to extend the operational life of these aircraft by adding advanced electronic warfare capabilities, new weapon systems, state-of-the-art radars, and mission control systems. According to HAL sources, these enhancements will ensure that the aircraft remains combat-ready for another 20 to 30 years, despite the airframes existing 50-year flying capability.The engines will have indigenous content of over 54%, enhanced due to the indigenisation of some key components of aero-engines. These would be manufactured at the Koraput division of HAL.Su-30 MKI is one of the most powerful and strategically significant fleets of IAF. The…— ANI (@ANI) September 2, 2024Indigenous component manufacturingThe Ministry of Defence has emphasized that over 54% of the components for the AL-31FP engines will be sourced indigenously, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing. These engines will be produced at HALs Koraput division, ensuring that the Indian Air Forces requirements are met with minimal reliance on imports.Strategic importanceThe SU-30 MKI is one of the Indian Air Forces most powerful and strategically important fighter jets. The new engines will replace those that have reached the end of their operational lifespan, ensuring the fleets continued effectiveness. This move is expected to significantly enhance Indias defense preparedness and sustain the IAFs operational capabilities.Private sector participationHAL will involve the private sector extensively in the SU-30 MKI upgrade process, boosting indigenous manufacturing capabilities. The upgrade will include modern avionics, digital cockpit displays, and advanced flight control systems, effectively transforming the SU-30 MKI into a near 5th-generation fighter, albeit without stealth features. The project also opens up export opportunities, as several countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam operate similar Russian-origin fighter jets.
