The Indian company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received a contract to manufacture engines for MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI fighters. This decision was made to diversify procurement and ensure independence from Russian aircraft engines, writes Eurasian Times.
On September 2, the Indian authorities approved the purchase of 240 AL-31 FB aircraft engines for Su-30MKI fighters from HAL. The contract value amounted to $3.2 billion. Engine delivery will begin in 2025 and will be completed within eight years. It is expected that the localization of units will exceed 54%.
The Su-30 MKI is one of the most powerful and strategically important aircraft in the Indian Air Force. The supply of these aircraft engines by HAL will meet the needs of the Indian Air Force in ensuring the smooth operation of the fleet and will allow them to continue combat missions unhindered.
Over the past 20 years, India has made significant progress in the assembly, operation, maintenance and phased modernization of the Su-30MKI. In addition, HAL plans to modernize the "Dry" aircraft. The aircraft will receive Indian weapons, electronic warfare systems, an infrared search and track system (IRST), an AESA radar and a more powerful engine.
On March 1, HAL received an order for RD-33 engines, which are also used in the JF-17 Thunder fighter. The engines will be installed on MiG-29 aircraft of the Indian Air Force, which will increase their service life.
Since 2005, about 130 specialists from various divisions of the Russian UEC have been sent to HAL. Indian specialists were trained and gained experience in mastering complex metallurgical, welding, production and assembly operations. This made it possible to deploy its own aircraft construction development program.
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