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The Indian Defence Ministry has inked a major ₹26,000-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to supply 240 AL-31FP engines for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets. This contract, cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security, will ensure the continued operational readiness of the IAF’s Su-30 fleet, reinforcing the country’s defence capabilities.
HAL, based in Bengaluru, will deliver 30 engines annually from its Koraput facility in Odisha over the next eight years. The engines will be manufactured domestically from the raw material stage with technology transfer from Russia, and the indigenous content of the engines will increase to 63% by the time deliveries are completed. Only a limited amount of spares, forgings, and castings will be imported.
The Koraput division has already produced 113 AL-31FP engines for the IAF, which operates a fleet of 260 Su-30 aircraft. This contract is expected to address the demand for approximately 900 engines over the Su-30’s operational lifespan, ensuring sustained performance for these critical fighter jets. In addition to the engine supply, the IAF’s Su-30s will undergo upgrades by HAL, a project estimated to cost around ₹65,000 crore. The upgrade will involve equipping the jets with advanced indigenous systems, including the Uttam active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, new avionics, weapon control systems, and electronic warfare suites.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the significance of this contract in furthering the “Make in India” initiative and promoting Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). He stated that this deal would enhance domestic aero-engine manufacturing, a crucial step in strengthening India’s defence production capabilities.
The contract also comes at a critical time for HAL, as the company faces delays in its Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) programme and is awaiting multiple high-value contracts for fighter planes and helicopters. HAL is also working on a joint production agreement with US firm GE Aerospace for F414 engines, which will power the future LCA Mk-2 jets.
Recently, HAL signed another key agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines under the joint venture SAFHAL to design and produce the Aravalli engine for India’s future 13-tonne multi-role helicopters. These developments are expected to bolster India’s aviation industry and enhance its domestic production capabilities for both aircraft and engines.
Sources By Agencies
