India is bringing the Su-30MKI production line back into operation at the HAL facility in Nashik. The company has received an order for 12 new aircraft, which are intended to augment the Indian Air Force fleet. According to IDRW, the first aircraft are expected in 2027–2028, with the delivery of the entire batch planned for completion in 2029.
The resumption of production is particularly interesting because the Nashik facility has historically been one of the main centers of India's Su-30MKI program. Previously, these aircraft were assembled here under license for the Indian Air Force, and now the plant is simultaneously involved in programs for other aviation platforms and continues to repair and modernize existing Su-30MKIs.
The new aircraft are expected to differ from earlier series primarily by a higher proportion of Indian systems and components. In parallel, India is preparing a large-scale modernization of its existing Su-30MKI fleet. This includes updating the onboard electronics, radar complex, electronic warfare systems, and other aircraft elements.
India is simultaneously increasing its own production of Su-30MKI and gradually moving the program to a higher level of localization. For HAL, this allows it to maintain its production base and competencies for heavy fighters.