India Resumes Russian Su-30MKI Production with 12-Unit Order and Proposal for 72 More Fighters
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India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to revive its Nashik plant operations to produce 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, following a $1.3 billion contract approved in September 2023, as reported by IDRW. This production boost aims to replenish losses in the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet while bolstering domestic fighter manufacturing. The Nashik facility, initially established to produce Su-30MKIs, will resume operations to fulfill this immediate order, with deliveries anticipated to significantly enhance India’s aerial capabilities.
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HAL has also reiterated its proposal to supply an additional 72 Su-30MKI fighters to the IAF (Picture source: WikiCommons)
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI, a multi-role fighter developed by Russia in collaboration with HAL for the IAF, is designed for air superiority and deep interdiction missions. This twin-seat, twin-engine aircraft features canards to improve lift and maneuverability. Powered by two AL-31F afterburning turbofan engines, it reaches a maximum speed of Mach 2 and has a combat range of 3,000 km, extendable to 5,200 km with in-flight refueling. Its advanced avionics include a TV guidance system and enhanced navigation suite, enabling it to operate in all weather conditions and under radar jamming.
In terms of weaponry, the Su-30MKI is formidable, with 12 hardpoints supporting over 8,000 kg of payload. It carries a 30 mm GSh-301 cannon and a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including laser, TV, and infrared-guided munitions like the Kh-29, Kh-31, and Kh-59. The aircraft is equipped with an indigenous AESA radar and an electronic warfare suite featuring Indian and Israeli technologies, as well as the DRDO-developed Tarang radar warning system, providing robust defensive and offensive capabilities for various combat missions.
HAL has also reiterated its proposal to supply an additional 72 Su-30MKI fighters to the IAF. If approved, this could bring the fleet to over 344 aircraft, adding four new squadrons by 2029-30. This expansion, valued at approximately $5 billion, is part of HAL’s broader strategy to modernize and strengthen the IAF with advanced indigenous technology. However, budget constraints have so far limited the IAF’s response to this proposal.
The proposal for 72 additional units includes a comprehensive “Super-30” upgrade package designed to enhance combat effectiveness and meet modern warfare requirements. Key upgrades involve the integration of an Indian-origin active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to improve detection range, accuracy, and resistance to jamming. The program also includes advanced avionics, mission computers, and navigation systems, all developed domestically. Additionally, the integration of indigenous weapons would allow the Su-30MKI to deploy a range of precision-guided munitions, significantly boosting its operational capability.
HAL’s Nashik plant previously manufactured Su-30MKIs under license from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, with production costs estimated at $70.3 million per unit. For this current batch of 12 units, HAL aims to streamline production over the next three years. Should the IAF approve the additional 72 units, HAL is confident in its ability to meet the six-year delivery timeline, targeting completion by 2029-30. This expansion would strengthen the IAF’s operational fleet to 34 squadrons, representing a critical enhancement of India’s air power.
India-Russia defense relations are historically significant and strategic, with Russia being India’s primary arms supplier, providing up to 60% of the military equipment in use by India. This long-standing relationship includes major contracts such as India’s acquisition of S-400 Triumf air defense systems, despite international pressure.
In terms of joint production, the two countries have collaborated on various high-profile projects. The BrahMos cruise missile, for example, is the product of an India-Russia partnership, blending technological expertise from both nations. Agreements have also been established for the co-production of naval frigates and KA-226T utility helicopters, with a portion of manufacturing occurring in India under the “Make in India” initiative.
The cooperation aligns with both nations’ interests. For Russia, these partnerships strengthen its position as a leading arms supplier and provide access to new markets. For India, working with Russia enables the modernization of its armed forces, diversification of its defense sources, and development of a robust domestic defense industrial base, particularly as a counterbalance to China.
India, however, pursues a policy of “multi-alignment,” balancing its relations with various global powers. While maintaining close ties with Russia, India has also developed defense partnerships with the United States, France, and Israel. This strategy aims to diversify its alliances, reduce dependence on a single supplier, and maximize strategic benefits on the international stage.
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India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to revive its Nashik plant operations to produce 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, following a $1.3 billion contract approved in September 2023, as reported by IDRW. This production boost aims to replenish losses in the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet while bolstering domestic fighter manufacturing. The Nashik facility, initially established to produce Su-30MKIs, will resume operations to fulfill this immediate order, with deliveries anticipated to significantly enhance India’s aerial capabilities.
HAL has also reiterated its proposal to supply an additional 72 Su-30MKI fighters to the IAF (Picture source: WikiCommons)
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI, a multi-role fighter developed by Russia in collaboration with HAL for the IAF, is designed for air superiority and deep interdiction missions. This twin-seat, twin-engine aircraft features canards to improve lift and maneuverability. Powered by two AL-31F afterburning turbofan engines, it reaches a maximum speed of Mach 2 and has a combat range of 3,000 km, extendable to 5,200 km with in-flight refueling. Its advanced avionics include a TV guidance system and enhanced navigation suite, enabling it to operate in all weather conditions and under radar jamming.
In terms of weaponry, the Su-30MKI is formidable, with 12 hardpoints supporting over 8,000 kg of payload. It carries a 30 mm GSh-301 cannon and a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including laser, TV, and infrared-guided munitions like the Kh-29, Kh-31, and Kh-59. The aircraft is equipped with an indigenous AESA radar and an electronic warfare suite featuring Indian and Israeli technologies, as well as the DRDO-developed Tarang radar warning system, providing robust defensive and offensive capabilities for various combat missions.
HAL has also reiterated its proposal to supply an additional 72 Su-30MKI fighters to the IAF. If approved, this could bring the fleet to over 344 aircraft, adding four new squadrons by 2029-30. This expansion, valued at approximately $5 billion, is part of HAL’s broader strategy to modernize and strengthen the IAF with advanced indigenous technology. However, budget constraints have so far limited the IAF’s response to this proposal.
The proposal for 72 additional units includes a comprehensive “Super-30” upgrade package designed to enhance combat effectiveness and meet modern warfare requirements. Key upgrades involve the integration of an Indian-origin active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to improve detection range, accuracy, and resistance to jamming. The program also includes advanced avionics, mission computers, and navigation systems, all developed domestically. Additionally, the integration of indigenous weapons would allow the Su-30MKI to deploy a range of precision-guided munitions, significantly boosting its operational capability.
HAL’s Nashik plant previously manufactured Su-30MKIs under license from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, with production costs estimated at $70.3 million per unit. For this current batch of 12 units, HAL aims to streamline production over the next three years. Should the IAF approve the additional 72 units, HAL is confident in its ability to meet the six-year delivery timeline, targeting completion by 2029-30. This expansion would strengthen the IAF’s operational fleet to 34 squadrons, representing a critical enhancement of India’s air power.
India-Russia defense relations are historically significant and strategic, with Russia being India’s primary arms supplier, providing up to 60% of the military equipment in use by India. This long-standing relationship includes major contracts such as India’s acquisition of S-400 Triumf air defense systems, despite international pressure.
In terms of joint production, the two countries have collaborated on various high-profile projects. The BrahMos cruise missile, for example, is the product of an India-Russia partnership, blending technological expertise from both nations. Agreements have also been established for the co-production of naval frigates and KA-226T utility helicopters, with a portion of manufacturing occurring in India under the “Make in India” initiative.
The cooperation aligns with both nations’ interests. For Russia, these partnerships strengthen its position as a leading arms supplier and provide access to new markets. For India, working with Russia enables the modernization of its armed forces, diversification of its defense sources, and development of a robust domestic defense industrial base, particularly as a counterbalance to China.
India, however, pursues a policy of “multi-alignment,” balancing its relations with various global powers. While maintaining close ties with Russia, India has also developed defense partnerships with the United States, France, and Israel. This strategy aims to diversify its alliances, reduce dependence on a single supplier, and maximize strategic benefits on the international stage.
