In a significant boost for domestic defence manufacturing, the Indian government on Monday finalised a Rs 26,000 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 240 AL-31FP aero engines for Su-30 MKI aircraft.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced that these engines will be produced at HAL’s Koraput Division. The engines are crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30 fleet, ensuring the country’s defence preparedness.
As part of the agreement, HAL is committed to delivering 30 engines per year, with the full supply expected to be completed over the next eight years. HAL will also leverage the capabilities of India's defence manufacturing ecosystem, including micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and both public and private sectors, to aid in production.
By the end of the delivery period, HAL aims to achieve an indigenisation level of up to 63%, significantly increasing the domestic content of the engines. This move is expected to enhance the indigenous repair and overhaul capabilities for the engines.
Earlier this month, the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the procurement proposal. The first deliveries of the aero engines are anticipated to commence in one year, with completion projected within eight years.
The Su-30 MKI remains a key element of the IAF’s arsenal, and this contract is set to bolster its operational capabilities and strengthen national defence. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also revealed that the 'GE-414' engines for fighter jets will soon be manufactured in India.
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