CCS Clears HAL's 240 AL-31FP Engines with 54% Indigenous Content for Sukhoi-30MKI Jets Upgrade

NEW DELHI: Amidst ongoing concerns about the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fighter squadron strength, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by the Prime Minister, approved a significant deal on Monday. This over Rs 26,000 crore deal aims to procure 240 AL-31FP aero-engines, critical for powering and maintaining the IAF's Sukhoi-30MKI fleet.

With the current squadron count at 30, well below the required 42 to effectively counter threats from both China and Pakistan, this move is crucial to bolstering the IAF's combat capabilities. The 240 AL-31FP aero-engines will be procured from Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), a defensce PSU, which will source some components from Russia.

Notably, these engines will boast an indigenous content of over 54%, a significant increase due to the indigenization of certain key components. The engines will be manufactured at HAL's Koraput division, and deliveries are scheduled to commence in a year, with the entire order expected to be fulfilled over eight years.

The IAF currently operates 259 Sukhois, the majority of which were licensed-produced by HAL from Russia. This fleet forms the backbone of the IAF's combat capabilities. Additionally, 12 new Sukhois are being ordered for around Rs 11,500 crore, to replace those lost in accidents.

This recent approval follows the CCS's February clearance for new engines for the IAF's MiG-29 fighters, also to be manufactured by HAL in collaboration with Russia. The shift towards bulk orders for aero-engines, instead of piecemeal ones, is aimed at cost reduction and increased indigenous content.

India's longstanding challenge in indigenously producing aero-engines with the required thrust-to-weight ratio has been a major concern. The delay in the supply of GE-F404 engines by General Electric, for instance, has impacted the delivery schedule of 83 Tejas Mark-1A jets.

However, there's progress on this front. India and the US are in final negotiations for the co-production of GE-F414 jet engines for the Tejas Mark-II fighters, with a significant technology transfer component.

Additionally, plans are underway for a major indigenous upgrade of the existing Sukhoi fleet. This Rs 63,000 crore project aims to enhance their capabilities with advanced radars, avionics, and weaponry, extending their operational life by another 30 years.

This comprehensive approach – procuring new engines, upgrading existing fleets, and pursuing indigenous engine development – highlights India's determination to strengthen its air power and reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers.

 

[sanket]

240 Aero-Engines delivery would b completed within 8 years after starting First year it means 30 Engines per year , with 54% Indigenous content , But GE-404 cant deliver even 16 per year Giving only Tarikh pe Tarikh that too after amost 3 years

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Now Indian pvt industry has developed expertise in titanium castings and single crystal blades. Indiginization should be increased further and may be an improved variant with higher meantime overhaul should be developed.

 

[Anant]

The cost of these engines is ridiculous. 26,000 crore INR for 240 engines comes to almost 12.9 million USD each. Absolutely ridiculous when one considers that the F414 costs about one-third that amount. Heck, the F125 engines Honeywell was trying to sell us for the Jaguars were costing a bit more than these overpriced AL-31s.

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

HAL has been one of the biggest let down for India. DPSUs as a whole must be overhauled for the future of our nation.

 

[sunilanalysis]

Burnol moment for some in NATO...
At the same India supplying ukraine 155mm shells through Czech or other countries is very bad dumb decision.

 

[Anant]

Burnol moment for some in NATO...
At the same India supplying ukraine 155mm shells through Czech or other countries is very bad dumb decision.

And pray tell why, exactly? India getting engines for aircraft in service is not surprising to anyone with even a tiny smidge of strategic thinking. Moreover, considering Russia's partnership with China and arms sales to Bhikaristan coupled with our oil purchases from Russia, our weapon sales to Ukraine are more than justified. Honestly, if the Russians want, they can buy the same stuff from us.

 

[Bhishma]

240 Aero-Engines delivery would b completed within 8 years after starting First year it means 30 Engines per year , with 54% Indigenous content , But GE-404 cant deliver even 16 per year Giving only Tarikh pe Tarikh that too after amost 3 years

but how is GE related to this news ? we talking about Su30, no ?

 

[ramdas]

What a waste of taxpayer money. Same amount could have been invested in purchase of 5th generation aircraft. Air frame would have already become weaker subjected to high stress.

 

[Dredd]

The cost of these engines is ridiculous. 26,000 crore INR for 240 engines comes to almost 12.9 million USD each. Absolutely ridiculous when one considers that the F414 costs about one-third that amount. Heck, the F125 engines Honeywell was trying to sell us for the Jaguars were costing a bit more than these overpriced AL-31s.

each jet engine replacement will costs 25 million dollars, It's beyond ridiculous, Our first batch of Su30MKI with same engine costed $30M imported from Russia. Something is seriously wrong and it seems no one is questioning the amount, If the item is procured locally then price should go down compared to imported one, but it seems it's going to costs 3-4 times higher.
I remember same thing happened with Tejas Mk1a contract negotiation when initially HAL asked for 30% commission on each item they procured or import( assembly costs extra) , Earlier deal was almost 20% costlier which after IAF and MoD audit bought down by 20%.

 

[Sunny]

We should have gone with the AL-41 variant if these many were required. Even Russia is moving to that variant for their su-30 fleet and some years down the line we may face issues with spares for AL-31FP as Russia will stop making them. With no complete TOT for AL-31FP, we are sure to face issues.

 

[Rick Golder]

What a waste of taxpayer money. Same amount could have been invested in purchase of 5th generation aircraft. Air frame would have already become weaker subjected to high stress.

SU30s will be serving till 2045-50. These new engines wil ensure that super Sukhoi upgrades will get sufficient energy to function.

 

[NSR]

Ridiculous pricing and daylight robbery.
Why would it cost $12.89 millions per each AL-31FP?
Even AL-41-1F-1C will not cost that much either.

I think lot of the costs are paddings of profits by HAL.
Disgusting HAL.

 

[Varaaah]

Only 55% indigenization after all these years. So 100% will be achieved in another 45 years.

 

[PKPRS]

The cost of these engines is ridiculous. 26,000 crore INR for 240 engines comes to almost 12.9 million USD each. Absolutely ridiculous when one considers that the F414 costs about one-third that amount. Heck, the F125 engines Honeywell was trying to sell us for the Jaguars were costing a bit more than these overpriced AL-31s.

not even peanuts compared to the price France is asking for M88 hot core.

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

240 Aero-Engines delivery would b completed within 8 years after starting First year it means 30 Engines per year , with 54% Indigenous content , But GE-404 cant deliver even 16 per year Giving only Tarikh pe Tarikh that too after amost 3 years

Need develop ORCA-TEF-Tejas-Naval fighter jets for IAF and IN two versions on RD33MK Sea Wasp engines made in India by HAL Khoraput factory, in order to avoid GE engines sanctions next....

 

[kurtwallis wallis]

USA will stop deliveries of GE engines next.....

 

[PKPRS]

Now Indian pvt industry has developed expertise in titanium castings and single crystal blades. Indiginization should be increased further and may be an improved variant with higher meantime overhaul should be developed.

who knows how long that will take, only hope is fitting A-31FP engine’s hot core with more powerful After Burner.

 

[RTNG]

Ridiculous pricing and daylight robbery.
Why would it cost $12.89 millions per each AL-31FP?
Even AL-41-1F-1C will not cost that much either.

I think lot of the costs are paddings of profits by HAL.
Disgusting HAL.

Means we are getting entirely different thing that is classified, even the actual price might be even be classified as well..