A high-level delegation from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), led by Chairman and Managing Director DK Sunil, is currently in Russia to finalize a deal for the license manufacturing of 240 AL-31FP Aero Engines. These engines are crucial for the Su-30MKI fighter jets that are actively operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). The visit to Russia, which began on Monday, follows a significant contract signed between the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and HAL on September 9 this year, amounting to over ₹26,000 crore for the procurement of these aero engines.
The Su-30MKI jets are set for extensive upgrades aimed at enhancing their operational lifespan and boosting their combat capabilities. This initiative is included in a larger budget of approximately ₹63,000 crore, which was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) for the modernization of the fleet. HAL is expected to replace the existing engines used in these Sukhoi aircraft, which have a limitation of 2,000 flying hours before requiring replacement. Each Su-30MKI is designed to have a total operational life of 6,000 hours, necessitating three sets of engines throughout its service period, as clarified by sources at HAL.
In addition to the engine manufacturing, HAL will enter into agreements with Russian entities to secure the required components, given that the drawings and raw materials involved are classified as intellectual property. The licensing agreement is likely to pose challenges, particularly with critical engine parts that Russia is expected to withhold from local production. HAL may also need to procure various assemblies, sub-assemblies, and numerous alloys, alongside 200-300 bar components that constitute the complete engine kit for the Sukhoi jets. Sources indicate that the intricate engineering involved adds to the complexity of the manufacturing process.
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The ongoing global conflicts have significantly disrupted the supply chain for the raw materials essential for engine production, a concern that will also be addressed during the Indian delegation’s discussions with their Russian counterparts. The engines will be produced at HAL’s Koraput Division, playing a vital role in maintaining the IAF’s operational capabilities for its fleet of Su-30 fighters, of which there are 260 in service. Considering the lifespan of the engines, replacements will be made in accordance with their usage.
Recently, HAL achieved a milestone by delivering the first AL-31FP Aero Engine manufactured under the new contract to the IAF. This initial engine may have been manufactured using kits HAL previously sourced from Russia for repair and maintenance functions. According to the contract’s delivery schedule, HAL is obliged to supply 30 aero engines annually, with the complete delivery of all 240 engines anticipated to take place over the next eight years. By the end of this delivery period, HAL aims to increase its indigenization content to 63 percent in the engine manufacturing process, enhancing the domestic capability in defense manufacturing.
