India intends to significantly increase production of Russian AL-31FP engines for Su-30MKI fighter jets, planning to raise production to 50 engines per year by 2030
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the aircraft and aerospace systems manufacturer, considers increasing production of AL-31FP engines a key element of its program to support India's Su-30MKI fighter fleet. These engines power most Su-30MKI fighters and provide them with high maneuverability thanks to their exhaust thrust vectoring system.
HAL currently manufactures and maintains AL-31FP engines locally at its facility in Koraput, India. Under a previous contract, the company is committed to supplying 240 engines for Su-30MKI fighter jets, with a gradual increase in the percentage of components manufactured in India.
The need to expand production is linked to the aging of India's Su-30MKI fighter fleet. While these aircraft remain the backbone of the Indian Air Force, a number are nearing engine replacement after years of intensive service. Increased production will accelerate these replacements and maintain a high level of combat readiness.
This plan comes as part of the implementation of a major contract signed by the Indian Ministry of Defence with HAL in September 2024, worth 26,000 crore rupees (about US$3.1 billion).
Number of engines: The contract stipulates the supply of 240 AL-31FP engines to the Indian Air Force.
Delivery time: The engines are scheduled to be delivered over eight years, at a rate of up to 30 engines per year.
Increase local content: HAL seeks to raise the proportion of Indian components in engine production, which currently exceeds 54%, with a target of reaching 63% by the end of the program.
This includes relying on local suppliers, such as Mishra Dato Nigam Limited (MIDHANI), which has obtained certifications to produce domestically produced superalloys essential to the engine industry, thus helping to reduce reliance on imports.
The AL-31FP is a twin-jet turbofan engine with an afterburner and a thrust-vectoring exhaust nozzle. It generates up to 12.5 tons of thrust with the afterburner engaged and is a key factor in the Su-30MKI's high maneuverability in close-quarters air combat.
Meanwhile, India continues to implement the "Super Sukhoi" program for the deep modernization of its Su-30MKI fighter fleet.
New Delhi plans to convert its current aircraft into more advanced fighters by equipping them with modern avionics, AESA radar, and advanced electronic warfare systems, according to Defence Security Asia magazine.
The program will focus on the Su-30MKI fighters, which are the most numerous in the Indian Air Force, with more than 260 aircraft expected to be modernized by equipping them with new electronic systems, upgraded radars, improved weapons management systems, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, with the participation of the Indian defense industry sector, headed by HAL.
The Super Sukhoi project aims to maintain the combat capability of the Su-30MKI fighters in light of the rapid development of Chinese aviation capabilities. Through it, India also seeks to possess a more advanced multi-role fighter without waiting for the completion of the development of its own fifth-generation fighter.
The project does not involve building a completely new aircraft, but rather focuses on upgrading the fighter's basic structure while replacing a significant portion of its electronic systems and armament. The upgraded version is expected to approach the level of 4++ generation fighters in the future.
