In a significant move to enhance the combat readiness of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has given the green light for the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines for the Su-30 MKI fighter jets. The engines, to be supplied by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, are estimated to cost Rs 26,000 crore. This initiative marks a crucial step in the modernization and indigenization of India’s defense capabilities.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, the delivery of these engines is expected to commence in about a year and will be completed over the next eight years. The AL-31FP engines will feature over 54 percent indigenous content, an increase achieved through the indigenization of key components. These engines will be manufactured at HAL’s Koraput division, emphasizing the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) initiative championed by the Indian government.
The Su-30 MKI, a twin-engine multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and built under license by HAL, forms the backbone of the IAF’s combat fleet. The introduction of these new engines will replace the ageing ones currently in service, ensuring that the Su-30 MKI fleet remains operationally effective and capable of executing critical missions. With a requirement of nearly 950 engines for the entire Su-30 MKI fleet, this procurement is just the beginning, as more engines are expected to be acquired to maintain and upgrade the fleet.
The strategic importance of this procurement cannot be overstated. The Su-30 MKI has been pivotal in several high-profile operations, including the Balakot air strikes and ongoing border tensions with China. The aircraft’s versatility and firepower, enhanced by the integration of indigenous systems such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and Astra air-to-air missile, have made it a formidable asset for the IAF.
Beyond the immediate replacement of engines, as reported previously, the Su-30 MKI fleet is also slated for a comprehensive upgrade. This upgrade will include the installation of advanced avionics, radars, and electronic warfare suites, bringing the aircraft’s capabilities on par with the latest global standards. HAL will lead this ambitious project, valued at over Rs 60,000 crore, in collaboration with the IAF and other partners. The first phase of the upgrade will focus on nearly 100 fighters, with work being carried out entirely within India.
Last year, the IAF also issued a tender for the procurement of 12 additional Su-30 MKI fighter jets. These aircraft will be manufactured by HAL in partnership with Russian original equipment manufacturers, featuring a high percentage of indigenous content in line with the government’s defense sector policies. These new fighters will be among the most advanced in the IAF’s inventory, equipped with state-of-the-art Indian weapons and sensors.
As the IAF continues to bolster its fleet, the focus remains on enhancing self-reliance and operational capability. The combination of new engines, aircraft, and upgrades will not only extend the service life of the Su-30 MKI but also ensure that India’s air dominance remains unchallenged in the region.