HAL Revives Nashik Plant to Fulfill 12 Su-30MKI Order worth $1.3 Billion, Seeks Additional 72 Order with “Super-30” Upgrade

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is reactivating its Nashik plant to fulfill a $1.3 billion order for 12 Su-30MKI fighter jets. This move comes as the Indian Air Force (IAF) seeks to replenish its fleet and strengthen domestic aircraft production.

The Nashik facility, once a dedicated Su-30MKI production site, will now play a crucial role in delivering these essential aircraft, bolstering India's air capabilities.

Beyond this immediate order, HAL is proposing an ambitious plan to the IAF for an additional 72 Su-30MKI fighters. If approved, this would expand the IAF's Su-30MKI fleet to over 344 aircraft, adding four new squadrons by 2029-30.

This potential $5 billion deal reflects HAL's commitment to modernizing the IAF with advanced indigenous technology. However, budgetary constraints may pose a challenge to the proposal's approval.

HAL's offer for the 72 fighters includes a comprehensive "Super-30" upgrade package, designed to enhance the Su-30MKI's combat effectiveness for modern warfare. Key elements of this upgrade include:

• Indigenous AESA Radar: Integration of an Indian-developed active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar to improve detection range, accuracy, and jamming resistance.
• Upgraded Avionics and Indian Systems: Incorporating advanced avionics, mission computers, and navigation systems sourced from within India.
• Indigenous Weapons Integration: Ensuring compatibility with a wide array of Indian-made weapon systems, including missiles and precision-guided munitions.

HAL's Nashik plant has been producing the Su-30MKI under license from Russia's United Aircraft Corporation, with each aircraft costing approximately $70.3 million. The current order of 12 aircraft is expected to be completed within the next three years.

If the IAF approves the additional 72 units, HAL is confident in its ability to deliver them within six years, by 2029-30. This would significantly enhance the IAF's operational strength, bringing the total number of Su-30MKI squadrons to 34.

 

[vyoma]

Tejas MK2 is supposed to be of medium category. Plus we can plan for AF variant of TEDBF.
We should scrap MRFA and invest this money in additional Super 30, MK1A, TEDBF AF, MK2.

All India haters will not like you