India Approves ₹26,000 Crore For 240 Sukhoi Su-30MKI Engine Procurement to Boost Air Force Fleet

In a significant move to bolster India's defense capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the green light for the procurement of 240 aero-engines worth ₹26,000 crores. These engines are destined for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets, forming a crucial part of India’s ongoing efforts to maintain air superiority.

The engines will be produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Koraput division in Odisha. This facility is already renowned for its expertise in manufacturing aero-engines, having delivered over 113 AL-31FP engines, the powerplant for the Su-30MKI, to the IAF. The new order, however, represents a substantial expansion in scale and ambition, with the engines being built from raw materials under a technology transfer agreement with Russia. The high level of indigenous content, which is set to exceed 54%, reflects India's growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI, a twin-engine, multirole air superiority fighter, is the backbone of the IAF's combat fleet. Currently, the IAF operates around 260 Su-30MKIs, with plans to add 12 more to compensate for those lost in accidents. The procurement of these new engines is essential not only for replacing aging units but also for ensuring the continued operational readiness of this critical aircraft.

HAL estimates that the IAF will need approximately 900 engines over the lifetime of the Su-30 fleet. This massive demand underscores the importance of the Koraput facility’s role in sustaining India’s air defense capabilities. The facility's ability to produce these engines domestically is a strategic asset, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and ensuring that the IAF can maintain a high state of readiness.

The procurement is just one part of a broader plan to upgrade the IAF's Su-30MKI fleet. HAL has also been tasked with upgrading the fighters, a project expected to cost around ₹65,000 crores. This upgrade will include the integration of the indigenous Uttam active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare suites, and new avionics and weapons systems. These enhancements will significantly boost the aircraft's combat capabilities, keeping it at the cutting edge of modern air warfare.

The CCS’s approval comes at a time when HAL is navigating several key challenges, including delays in the TEJAS light combat aircraft program and negotiations with GE Aerospace for the joint production of F414 engines for India’s future TEJAS MK-2 fighters. These initiatives, alongside the recent contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines for developing a new engine for the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), highlight HAL’s critical role in India's defense sector.

The decision to approve this significant procurement underscores India's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities amidst growing regional security challenges. By investing in domestic production and technological advancements, India is ensuring that its air force remains equipped to defend the nation’s skies for decades to come.