Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced the reactivation of its Nashik facility to manufacture 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter aircraft under a $1.3 billion contract approved in September 2023. This production order, aimed at replenishing the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet, will resume assembly operations that were previously focused on the Su-30MKI model. HAL expects to deliver these aircraft over the next three years, with the goal of bolstering the IAF’s operational capabilities.
The Su-30MKI, a twin-engine, twin-seat fighter developed jointly by Russia and HAL, is designed for air superiority and deep interdiction missions. It has a maximum speed of Mach 2 and a combat range of 3,000 km, extendable to 5,200 km with in-flight refueling. Equipped with 12 hardpoints, it supports over 8,000 kg of payload, including a 30 mm cannon and various precision-guided munitions. The aircraft is also outfitted with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare suite, and radar warning system to enhance combat performance.
In addition to the current production, HAL has proposed an additional order for 72 more Su-30MKI fighters, along with a “Super-30” upgrade package aimed at improving detection capabilities, accuracy, and jamming resistance. The proposed upgrades involve new mission computers, advanced avionics, and the integration of indigenous weapons. If approved, this expansion, estimated at $5 billion, would increase the IAF’s fleet size to over 344 Su-30MKIs and create four new squadrons by 2029-30.
The Nashik plant initially produced Su-30MKIs under license from Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation, with each unit costing approximately $70.3 million. HAL reports that it is prepared to meet the additional production requirements, pending approval, and complete the delivery of all proposed units by the end of the decade.
HAL’s efforts align with India’s defense strategy of enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities, particularly in partnership with Russia, which has historically been a significant supplier of India’s defense equipment.