India intends to significantly increase the production of Russian AL-31FP aircraft engines for Su-30MKI fighters – by 2030, production is planned to reach 50 power units annually. This was reported by IDRW.

Aircraft and aviation systems manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) considers increasing the production rate of AL-31FP as one of the key elements of the support program for Indian Su-30MKI. These engines are installed on most fighters of this type and provide them with high maneuverability due to the thrust vectoring system.

Currently, HAL is already engaged in local production and maintenance of AL-31FP at its Koraput facility. Under a previously concluded contract, the company is to supply 240 engines for Su-30MKI, gradually increasing the share of Indian components in the power unit's design.

The need to expand production is due to the age of the Indian Su-30MKI fleet. The aircraft remain the backbone of the country's combat aviation, but some machines are already approaching the engine replacement stage after prolonged operation. Additional capacity will allow for faster engine replacement and maintain a high level of aviation readiness.

The AL-31FP is a two-spool turbofan engine with an afterburner and thrust vectoring. It develops thrust up to 12,500 kgf in afterburner and is considered one of the main reasons for the high maneuverability of the Su-30MKI in close-range air combat.