HAL Delivers First AL-31FP Aero Engine for Su-30MKI to IAF Under New Contract

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved a significant milestone by delivering the first AL-31FP aero engine, under a contract for 240 engines, to the Indian Air Force (IAF). This engine, which powers the Su-30MKI fighter jets, was handed over at HAL's Koraput facility in Odisha, a location dedicated to building these engines from raw material to final assembly. The contract, signed on September 9, 2023, outlines the delivery of 240 engines over the course of eight years, reinforcing HAL’s role in maintaining and enhancing the IAF’s fighter fleet.

The AL-31FP engine is the core powerplant of the Su-30MKI, a twin-engine, multirole air superiority fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi and customized for Indian requirements. With thrust vectoring capabilities, the AL-31FP allows the Su-30MKI to perform advanced maneuvers, giving the aircraft a tactical edge in dogfights and complex air operations. The engine produces around 27,560 pounds of thrust, enabling the aircraft to reach speeds of Mach 2 and handle the heavy payloads needed for long-range missions.

Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary of Defence Production, praised HAL for delivering the first engine within weeks of the contract’s signing. He emphasized that this quick turnaround exemplifies HAL’s growing expertise in aero engine manufacturing and its commitment to supporting India’s defense capabilities. Kumar also highlighted the strategic importance of HAL’s Koraput Division, which has developed cutting-edge technologies to manufacture the AL-31FP engine domestically, matching global standards set by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, D K Sunil, also spoke about the future of Indian aerospace manufacturing, expressing the company’s intent to increase the involvement of Indian industries in the engine production process. Currently, Indian industries contribute around 40% to the manufacturing of the AL-31FP engine, but HAL aims to raise this to over 50% in the coming years. This shift will not only strengthen India’s self-reliance in defense production but also generate employment and boost the aerospace sector.

The Su-30MKI fleet is a critical component of the IAF’s airpower, and ensuring a steady supply of engines is essential for its operational readiness. HAL’s Koraput facility, established specifically for the production of the AL-31FP engines, plays a crucial role in this effort. By manufacturing the engines entirely in India, HAL reduces the IAF’s dependency on foreign suppliers, lowers costs, and enhances the overall capability of India’s defense industrial base.

This new contract marks a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to indigenize its defense sector. As HAL continues to develop its capabilities in advanced aerospace technology, the IAF stands to benefit from more reliable and cost-effective maintenance of its Su-30MKI fleet. Moreover, the increasing participation of Indian industries in this process will further solidify the country's position as a global defense manufacturing hub.