Global Su-30 Operators Seek HAL Support for AL-31F Engine Maintenance Amidst Russian Supply Chain Disruptions

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is experiencing a surge in inquiries from countries operating Su-30 fighter jets seeking spare parts for the AL-31F engines. This increased demand stems from disruptions in Russian supply chains, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the heavy operational use of the Su-30SM in frontline combat.

The AL-31F, developed by Russia's Ufa Engine Industrial Association (UMPO), is a crucial component of the Su-30 aircraft, including the Indian variant, the Su-30MKI. This engine is renowned for its reliability and performance and is integral to the operational capabilities of numerous air forces worldwide.

However, the ongoing war has significantly disrupted Russian manufacturing and logistics, causing delays in the supply of both new engines and spare parts. This has created challenges for countries operating Su-30 aircraft, as they struggle to maintain their fleets at optimal readiness levels.

The extensive use of the Su-30SM in frontline combat has further exacerbated the situation, accelerating the need for maintenance, repairs, and overhauls. This has put additional pressure on the already strained supply of engine parts.

HAL, which has been manufacturing and maintaining AL-31F engines under license from Russia, has emerged as a potential alternative supplier for countries seeking to mitigate their supply chain risks. Nations like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Algeria, among others, have expressed interest in sourcing spares from HAL.

However, HAL faces a significant obstacle: the need for Russian export clearance. Russia retains intellectual property rights over the AL-31F engine, meaning HAL cannot export these components without explicit approval from Moscow. This requirement extends to the overhaul of engines, a lucrative business for Russian firms, especially in countries lacking their own Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

This situation presents both challenges and opportunities for HAL. While it could significantly expand its footprint in the global defence market by providing spares and MRO services, it remains reliant on Russian approval. This highlights the complexities of international defence collaborations and the influence of geopolitical dynamics.

This scenario may encourage more structured collaborations between Indian and Russian defence industries, potentially leading to agreements that could expedite obtaining necessary clearances or even co-production rights. If clearances are granted, HAL could significantly benefit from providing MRO services, not just for India's Su-30 fleet but also for international customers, establishing India as a hub for Su-30 maintenance in Asia.

Furthermore, this situation underscores the importance of diversifying defence supply chains to mitigate geopolitical risks. Countries may increasingly look to diversify their sourcing or invest in local production capabilities to reduce their reliance on single suppliers.

 

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[vinod nair]

Opportunity should be further augumented

 

[GMR]

Russia will not turn down the request as it may risk loosing current & future customer base.. approval may be conditional though.. But is HAL efficient enough to fulfill both our own & export demands??

 

[abhinav srivastava]

At his time we should go for full indigenization of AL31FP engines. Use this learning to design higher thrust engines. For exporting components to other countries we may need to buy some more defense platforms from Russia.

 

[Chitra]

At the end of the day, everyone keeps the critical things to their chest, whether it is US or Russia.

 

[IndiJoe]

At his time we should go for full indigenization of AL31FP engines. Use this learning to design higher thrust engines. For exporting components to other countries we may need to buy some more defense platforms from Russia.

Where will we achieve full indigenization on that engine sir. Recently Russia got alarmed with indian proposal to raise the indigenous components in that engine to upto 65%. India reckons that many of the components can be bettered over the Russian supplied ones but Russia is obviously having none of it. Afterall you can't let one of clients to usurp your gaddi which I suspect Russia is now extremely wary of. They have seen enough of India now, starting from the strengthening of the SU30 underbellies to carry the brahmos plus other changes for which they wanted truckloads of money but eventually allowed India to do on their own with a mild reminder that it may nullify the warranties. I think they expected india to fail and then come back to Russia wherein they thought they will then make even more money to correct the issues that India will create. They saw the result...

 

[Sandeep]

There is a huge demand and use of Russian jet engines but unfortunately we can only manufacture about 55% of the engine and definitely not the core section of it.

As sanctions have been put on Russia we should ask them to increase that amount and allow us to manufacture any other parts or spares and sell it to them along with other countries.

 

[De_SECULARISED]

Where will we achieve full indigenization on that engine sir. Recently Russia got alarmed with indian proposal to raise the indigenous components in that engine to upto 65%.

Indian MROs should first try to implement the said 65% indigenisation on those engines which are on their last leg of WARRANTY & observe the performance defferences.
if found positive, implement gradually on the rest.

 

[Akhil]

At the end of the day, everyone keeps the critical things to their chest, whether it is US or Russia.

No Country with the right mind will give you 100% ToT.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Where will we achieve full indigenization on that engine sir. Recently Russia got alarmed with indian proposal to raise the indigenous components in that engine to upto 65%. India reckons that many of the components can be bettered over the Russian supplied ones but Russia is obviously having none of it. Afterall you can't let one of clients to usurp your gaddi which I suspect Russia is now extremely wary of. They have seen enough of India now, starting from the strengthening of the SU30 underbellies to carry the brahmos plus other changes for which they wanted truckloads of money but eventually allowed India to do on their own with a mild reminder that it may nullify the warranties. I think they expected india to fail and then come back to Russia wherein they thought they will then make even more money to correct the issues that India will create. They saw the result...

You are very correct. Russia would neither like nor allow full indigenization. We will have to give ourselves 4-5 years to completely indigenize the engines. This should be done in secrecy, OEM wont permit this. Till that time import ~40% of parts from Russia. Once objectives are achieved and tested. We can derive completely new engines from our learning and use such engines in other development programs.
We can buy some other platforms from Russia to compensate it for potential revenue loss. We will need higher power engines in future. US 6th gen engines will have around 200KN thrust.