Defence Ministry Signs Deal with HAL for Su-30MKI Aero Engines

On 9th September 2024, the Defence Ministry signed a Rs. 26,000-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 240 AL-31FP aero engines for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI aircraft.

Key Points

Contract Details: The deal was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security and signed in the presence of Defence Secretary and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal.
Manufacturing at HAL's Koraput Division: The engines will be assembled by HAL’s Koraput Division, delivering 30 engines annually over the next eight years to support the operational capability of the IAF's Su-30 fleet.
Indigenisation Efforts: HAL aims to increase the indigenisation content to 63% by the end of the delivery program, boosting the local defence manufacturing ecosystem.
Supporting Su-30MKI Fleet: The engines are essential for fleet sustenance as they replace older engines reaching the end of their technical life, separate from the ongoing aircraft upgrade program.
Future Upgrades: The IAF plans to upgrade 84 Su-30MKIs, with 51 systems featuring 78% indigenous content, including radar and avionics upgrades integrated with DRDO's Uttam AESA radar.