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SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG

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India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to revive its Nashik plant operations to manufacture 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, a production order valued at $1.3 billion approved in September 2023. This move aims to replace Indian Air Force (IAF) losses while bolstering domestic production. The facility, initially a dedicated manufacturing site for the Su-30MKI, will now resume operations to address this immediate order, with deliveries expected to contribute significantly to India’s air capabilities.

HAL is also rekindling its proposal to the IAF for an additional 72 Su-30MKI fighters, which, if accepted, could bring the total fleet to over 344 aircraft, adding four new squadrons by 2029-30. These additional units, valued at an estimated $5 billion, are part of HAL’s broader initiative to modernize and augment the IAF fleet with advanced indigenous technology and capability. However, sources report that budgetary constraints have so far limited the IAF’s response to this proposal.

HAL’s offer for the 72 additional fighters includes a comprehensive “Super-30” upgrade package to enhance combat effectiveness and ensure compatibility with modern warfare requirements. Key upgrades under this program will focus on:

  • Indian AESA Radar: An indigenous active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to enhance detection range, accuracy, and resistance to jamming.
  • Upgraded Avionics and Indian Systems: The incorporation of advanced avionics, mission computers, and navigation systems, all sourced and developed within India.
  • Indigenous Weapons Integration: Compatibility with a variety of Indian-made weapon systems, allowing the Su-30MKI to carry and deploy a range of indigenous missiles and precision-guided munitions.

HAL’s Nashik plant has been manufacturing the Su-30MKI under license from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, with each aircraft costing approximately $70.3 million. For the current batch of 12, HAL is expected to streamline production over the next three years. Should the IAF approve the additional 72 units, HAL is confident in meeting the delivery schedule within six years, aiming for full delivery by 2029-30. This would strengthen the IAF’s fleet to 34 operational squadrons, a critical boost to India’s airpower capability.

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