SOURCE: AFI
On September 2, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave its approval for the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 MKI aircraft. This procurement will be conducted under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the supplier. The total cost of the acquisition, including all taxes and duties, amounts to over Rs 26,000 crore.
The new batch of AL-31FP engines will come equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), a significant upgrade aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency and performance of the Su-30 MKI fleet. FADEC is a sophisticated electronic system that optimizes engine performance by automating control processes, thereby reducing pilot workload and improving overall fuel efficiency and reliability.
Currently, the AL-31FP engines feature less than 54% indigenous content, a point of concern for many defense analysts. These experts have been urging HAL to increase the level of indigenous components in these engines to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and enhance self-reliance in critical defense technologies.
The AL-31FP engine is the backbone of the Su-30 MKI, the most advanced and numerous fighter aircraft in the Indian Air Force. These engines are essential for maintaining the operational readiness of the fleet, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding India’s airspace and projecting power in the region. The decision to procure a new batch of these engines reflects the ongoing commitment of the Indian government to maintaining the IAF’s combat capabilities.