The Defence Ministry on Monday signed a contract with Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the supply of 240 aero-engines, valued at ₹26,000 crore, for the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft.

The engines will be manufactured in Koraput from the raw material stage with technology transferred from Russia. Only some spares, forgings, and castings are expected to be imported. By the time deliveries are completed, the engines are anticipated to have an indigenous content of up to 63%, according to the ministry.

“These aero-engines are expected to fulfil the needs of the IAF to sustain the operational capability of the Su-30 fleet for the country’s defence preparedness,” the defence ministry said in a statement. The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared the procurement on September 2.

The contract agreement was inked by the senior officials of the ministry and the HAL in the presence of Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari.

The Indian Air Force operates a fleet of 260 Su-30s and is set to receive 12 additional fighters to replace those lost in accidents.

The Koraput division has so far manufactured and supplied 113 AL-31FP engines to the Indian Air Force. HAL estimates that the Air Force will require around 900 engines throughout the Su-30 fleet’s lifecycle.

Additionally, HAL will upgrade the IAF’s Su-30s at an estimated cost of ₹65,000 crore. This upgrade will include equipping the fighters with the indigenous ‘Uttam’ active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, electronic warfare suites, weapon control systems, avionics, and new weapons.

The engine order comes as the state-run firm is dealing with delays in the Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA Mk-1A) programme, working to finalise a deal for joint production of jet engines in the country, and awaiting contracts worth tens of thousands of crores for new fighter planes and helicopters.

HAL is negotiating with US firm GE Aerospace for the joint production of F414 engines in India. In June 2023, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington to produce 99 F414 engines for India's future LCA Mk-2 programme. This joint production is expected to help bridge a significant technology gap, lay the groundwork for the indigenous development of larger jet engines, and potentially open opportunities for exports.

On August 30, HAL signed a contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines for the joint design, development, and production of a new engine named Aravalli. This engine will power the future 13-tonne Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH) and its deck-based version. SAFHAL is a joint venture between French firm Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL.

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