The Defence Ministry has officially signed a ₹26,000-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 240 aero-engines, set to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft. The contract involves HAL providing 30 AL-31FP engines annually from its Koraput facility in Odisha, with the full delivery anticipated over the next eight years.
The agreement, which received clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security on September 2, aims to ensure the operational readiness of the Su-30 fleet, vital for India’s defence strategy. These engines, produced with technology transferred from Russia, will be largely indigenous, with up to 63% of the components manufactured locally. The Koraput facility, which has already supplied 113 AL-31FP engines, will handle production from raw materials, with minimal imports required.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the contract as a significant achievement in the “Make in India” initiative, emphasizing its role in bolstering India’s aero-engine manufacturing capabilities and advancing self-reliance. The deal also supports the ongoing upgrade of the Su-30 fleet, which includes the installation of the Uttam AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and other modern avionics at an estimated cost of ₹65,000 crore.
This engine procurement comes amid HAL’s efforts to address delays in the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) program and secure future contracts for fighter jets and helicopters. HAL is in negotiations with GE Aerospace for the joint production of F414 engines for the LCA Mk-2 program, and has recently signed an agreement with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines for the development of the Aravalli engine, intended for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) program.
With these advancements, HAL aims to bridge critical technology gaps, foster indigenous engine development, and potentially open avenues for future exports.
Leave a Reply