India has begun localizing special materials for Russian AL-31FP engines, which power Su-30MKI fighters. The new list of products for domestic production includes BK-25 cobalt powder and nickel-chromium powder, used in the repair of engine parts.
The material is used to apply special coatings to parts operating at high temperatures and loads. During repair, these powders are fed into a thermal spraying unit. The material forms a protective layer on the surface of the part, which allows worn elements to be restored and their service life extended.
For an aircraft engine, this is especially important when repairing hot section parts, which operate under the most severe temperature conditions.
AL-31FP is a Russian two-spool turbofan engine with an afterburner and thrust vectoring. Indian Su-30MKIs are equipped with two such engines. India has been expanding its own production and repair of these power plants for several years: in 2024, the country's Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for more than 26,000 crore rupees for the production of 240 AL-31FPs for Su-30MKI.