India Signs ₹26,000 Crore Deal for 240 AL-31FP Engines to Power Su-30MKI Jets

In a strategic move to strengthen India’s defense capabilities and promote domestic manufacturing, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a major contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) today for the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero engines. Valued at over ₹26,000 crore, this deal is a crucial step in maintaining the combat readiness of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fleet, a key component of India’s air defense.

The contract, signed in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, highlights India's push for self-reliance in defense production. These engines, specifically designed to power the formidable Su-30MKI aircraft, will be manufactured at HAL's Koraput Division, known for its expertise in producing high-performance jet engines. The Su-30MKI itself is a highly maneuverable multirole air superiority fighter, built under license from Russia, and is the backbone of the IAF’s aerial combat capabilities.

The AL-31FP engine, which is a variant of the Russian AL-31F, is a critical component for the Su-30MKI. It offers afterburner thrust in excess of 27,000 pounds-force, which enables the fighter jet to achieve high speeds, with a maximum speed of Mach 2 at altitude. Additionally, the engine is equipped with thrust-vectoring nozzles, giving the aircraft enhanced agility and maneuverability, especially in close combat scenarios.

Under the contract, HAL will produce 240 of these engines over the next eight years at a planned rate of 30 engines per year. The engine manufacturing process is not only aimed at meeting the IAF’s operational needs but also at enhancing India’s domestic production capabilities. HAL intends to increase the indigenous content of the engines significantly, from 54% at the start of the program to 63% by its completion. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ or self-reliant India initiative, aimed at reducing dependency on foreign imports in critical sectors like defense.

The Koraput Division of HAL, where these engines will be produced, has been a key player in India’s aerospace industry for decades. Over the years, HAL has built significant expertise in the production, maintenance, and overhaul of the AL-31FP engines, which are known for their reliability and performance under diverse combat conditions. As part of this contract, HAL plans to collaborate with several micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as companies from both the public and private sectors, further boosting India’s defense manufacturing ecosystem.

What sets this contract apart is its long-term vision for self-sufficiency. HAL’s increased focus on indigenous content means that India will not only be able to produce these engines domestically but also service and maintain them within the country. This marks a crucial shift in India’s defense strategy, as it reduces dependency on foreign suppliers for spare parts and engine overhauls, ensuring that the Su-30MKI fleet remains operational and combat-ready at all times.

The Su-30MKI, equipped with these engines, is known for its versatile roles, including air-to-air combat, air interdiction, and ground attack missions. With a range of 3,000 kilometers and a capability to carry a wide variety of weapons, the aircraft is indispensable for India's defense strategy, particularly in patrolling vast airspaces and responding to any threats along the country’s borders.

This contract is a significant milestone in India’s journey toward defense self-reliance, and the involvement of HAL’s Koraput Division in the production of these engines is a testament to the country's growing technical expertise in the aerospace sector. As the production begins, it is expected to provide a major boost to India's defense industry, further cementing the country’s status as a regional military power.

By enhancing indigenous capabilities and maintaining a strong fighter jet fleet, India is taking a critical step toward securing its skies, ensuring the operational readiness of the Su-30MKI, and reinforcing the nation's defense posture in the region.