HAL To Supply 12 Advanced Sukhoi Jets To Indian Air Force, Order of More than Rs 13,000 Crore

The strength of the Indian Air Force has increased rapidly in the last few years. The Central Government has made some big deals to equip the country’s Air Force with state-of-the-art fighter aircraft. In this series, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has been given the contract for the supply of 12 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft and their related equipment. This contract is worth approximately Rs 13,500 crore.

These fighter planes will have more than 62 percent indigenous parts. This contract was awarded by the Defense Ministry HAL Signed with. In a statement issued by the Defense Ministry, it has been said that the proportion of indigenous parts in these aircraft has been increased because many components will be manufactured by the country’s defense industry. The statement said, “The supply of these fighter planes will increase the operational capability of the Air Force and strengthen the country’s defense preparedness.” Taxes and duties are included in this order given to HAL.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-seater, twin-jet, multirole air superiority fighter jet. It has been developed by Russian manufacturer Sukhoi. It is being manufactured by HAL under license for the Indian Air Force. It is a variant of the Sukhoi Su-30. It is a heavy, all-weather and long range fighter jet. Sukhoi Su-30MKI will be manufactured at HAL’s Nashik division in Maharashtra.

Recently Defense Minister Rajnath Singh visited Russia. Singh’s defense-related relations were discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other top officials. In September, the Defense Ministry had given a contract worth Rs 26,000 crore to HAL for the advanced engine of Sukhoi Su-30MKI. These aero engines will be manufactured by HAL’s Koraput division in Odisha. In the last few years, HAL has been awarded some big contracts by the government. This company has greatly strengthened its position in the defense related aviation industry. HAL has also won export orders abroad. In March this year, the company had signed a contract worth about Rs 194 crore with the Government of Guyana for the supply of two commuter aircraft and related equipment. The company can get such contracts from some other countries also.