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State-owned aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully resolved significant supply chain disruptions from Russia for the maintenance of the Su-30 MKI fighter jet fleet, a critical asset for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The stabilisation ensures that the operational readiness of India's primary air superiority fighter is not compromised.
The Su-30 MKI, which forms the backbone of the IAF's combat fleet with over 250 aircraft in service, is manufactured under license by HAL and depends on a steady supply of spare parts and components from Russia.
According to HAL's Chairman and Managing Director, D.K. Sunil, acquiring these essential supplies became challenging in 2024. The difficulties arose primarily because Russian manufacturing plants were operating at full capacity to meet their own country's defence needs amid war in Ukraine.
In a recent discussion with the publication Flightglobal, Mr. Sunil confirmed that the situation has now improved.
"We’ve been in regular discussions with them, and we’re getting the supplies," he stated, highlighting that persistent dialogue with Russian partners has been key to overcoming the logistical obstacles.
This development is crucial for maintaining the high operational tempo of the IAF and ensuring its fleet is prepared for any eventuality.
The disruption in 2024 had raised concerns about potential delays in the maintenance and overhaul schedules for the Su-30 MKI fleet, which could have impacted its availability.
However, HAL's proactive measures have restored the flow of critical components, reaffirming the resilience of the long-standing India-Russia defence partnership, which has been a cornerstone of India's national security strategy for decades.
This episode has also accelerated HAL's push towards greater self-reliance, in line with the government's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
The company is actively enhancing its domestic capabilities to manufacture and service key systems of the Su-30 MKI, thereby reducing its reliance on external suppliers.
These efforts include the indigenous production of various components and the in-house overhaul of the aircraft's powerful AL-31FP engines.
The focus on maintaining the legacy Su-30 MKI fleet runs parallel to HAL's ambitious projects to develop the next generation of Indian combat aircraft. These include the Tejas Mk2, a more capable medium-weight fighter, and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation stealth fighter program.
By securing the present capabilities of the IAF while building its future, HAL continues to play a central role in modernising and strengthening India's air defence infrastructure.
