The Cabinet Committee on Security approved a proposal to procure 240 aero-engines for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI fighter fleet. The engines will be obtained from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under the Buy (Indian) category at over Rs. 26,000 crore. The Defence Ministry stated that the delivery of these aero-engines will commence after one year and is expected to be completed over eight years.
The AL-31FP aero-engines will have over 54% Indigenous content, which has been enhanced by the indigenization of key aero-engine components. As stated by the ministry, these engines will be manufactured at the Koraput division of HAL.
The statement also underscores the strategic importance of the Su-30 MKI fleet for the IAF, emphasizing its power and role in bolstering the country’s defence capabilities. HAL’s supply of these aero-engines will play a crucial role in meeting the fleet sustenance requirement of the IAF, ensuring uninterrupted operations and further strengthening defence preparedness.
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI, a variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter with versatile multirole capabilities. It is a two-seater twinjet air superiority fighter developed by Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. As of January 2020, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has nearly 260 Su-30MKIs in its inventory. An additional 12 new Sukhois, along with associated equipment, are being ordered for approximately Rs 11,500 crore to replace the ones that crashed over the years.
In February, CCS also cleared Rs 5,300 crore for new engines for the around 60 MiG-29 fighters in the IAF fleet. These engines, too, will be manufactured by HAL with Russian collaboration.
Ravi Shankar
