HAL to Manufacture 12 New Su-30MKI Aircraft to Replenish Crash Losses, Highlighting Confidence in Aircraft's Long-Term Performance

The Indian Ministry of Defence has awarded a ₹13,500 crore contract to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the production of 12 new Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets. These aircraft will replenish the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet, replacing those lost in accidents over the years and ensuring continued operational readiness.

The Sukhoi-30MKI is a cornerstone of the IAF's fighter fleet, with a sanctioned strength of 272 aircraft. Currently, 260 are in active service, distributed across 13 operational squadrons and technical establishments. This new contract will ensure the fleet remains robust and effective, with deliveries expected to be completed within the next few years.

The Su-30MKI has been customized to meet India's specific requirements, incorporating advanced avionics, weapons systems, and modifications. While the first aircraft were delivered by Russia in 2002, HAL began local assembly in 2004, significantly contributing to India's domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

Although the Su-30MKI has generally been a reliable platform for the IAF, it has experienced some operational accidents over its two-decade service history. Out of the 272 aircraft inducted or sanctioned, 12 (approximately 4.4%) have been lost due to crashes.

Early accidents were often attributed to teething problems with locally assembled aircraft, issues that HAL has since addressed. Pilot error has also contributed to some incidents, a factor common with high-performance fighter jets. Additionally, the aircraft's extensive use in training, air exercises, and operational deployments contributes to wear and tear.

Despite these accidents, the IAF maintains confidence in the Su-30MKI. The crashes, spread over 22 years, average about 0.55 per year. Moreover, the aircraft are expected to remain in service until 2060, extending their operational life to nearly 60 years from their initial induction. This demonstrates the IAF's confidence in the platform's long-term viability and potential for future upgrades.

This latest contract for 12 new Su-30MKIs not only replenishes the IAF's fleet but also underscores its commitment to this capable fighter jet. By continuing to invest in the Su-30MKI, the IAF ensures its operational readiness and maintains a powerful and versatile fighter force for decades to come.

 

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[R. Singh]

HAL should power SU-30 with latest engines allow Su-30 to attain Mac 2.5 speed and its bomber fighter variant to carry 10 ton of weapon load !

 

[Sunny]

We should develop an indigenous variant based on the su-30mki like how the US has done with F-15EX or similar to what has been done by China. Su-30 design will remain revelent for decades to come and continuing production of improved variants will be beneficial to us. It's heavy payload capability is matched by few other designs and should be an effective non-stealthy option as we already produce over 50% of the components.

 

[Anant]

Minor correction: We have less than 259 Su-30MKIs in service. 13 have been lost over the years (not 12), and a few are generally not available due to maintenance and the like. Regardless, if one adds up aircraft used for testing and aircraft assigned to TACDE and other institutions, then our Su-30MKI fleet is, at the most, 259.

 

[desigandu]

Could we not have ordered say 48-60 Su30MKI in a super Sukhoi configuration to be delivered by HAL in 4-5 years! Logistically, budget wise and also to address fleet depletion!

We really need fighters before 2030!

 

[Instant Karma]

That means SU 30 MKI is the safest fighters plane in the world even safer than F 35.

 

[sanket]

12 Su-30 MKI should come with use of Composite material Instead Metal & in Super Sukhoi configuration , after signing the deal deal it takes almost 3 years to deliver First Su-30 MKI by the Time some Tech can b developed & ready for Integration in Su-30 MKI , second going by History of crashes avg of .55 per year should have ordered another 20 as This fleet of 272 is expected to operation for untill 2060 plus some or 2 jets should b handed over to HAL & DRDO as Test bed it would have been ideal to order atleast another 20 Su-30 MKI keeping in mind for operation 2060

 

[vinod nair]

We should continue Su-30MKI production with the Super Sukhoi standard instead of upgrading the existing fleet until AMCA production is streamlined. When sufficient stability in Super Sukhoi production is achieved, then ToT should be given to MRO to upgrade the existing fleet. Super Sukhoi, alongside UCAV and CATS Warrior, will negate the need for MRFA. We need fifth-gen planes that can be utilized as per our needs, not having a kill switch or overhyped and overpriced fourth-gen planes. Strategic planning should involve multi-disciplinary domain experts rather than single-channel expert opinions. We can learn something from China's Su-30 acquisition and the later development of the J-16. Copying is the first step in learning, with further evaluation.

 

[sunilanalysis]

There is controversy: only 11 recorded crashes in the official database...why 12th...?

Pakis argue a 12th lost in a swift retort...Some Indians argue the 12th is for the HAL/DRDO dedicated experimental program.

 

[neil]

Minor correction: We have less than 259 Su-30MKIs in service. 13 have been lost over the years (not 12), and a few are generally not available due to maintenance and the like. Regardless, if one adds up aircraft used for testing and aircraft assigned to TACDE and other institutions, then our Su-30MKI fleet is, at the most, 259.

Perhaps we should have ordered 15 units instead of 12, for doing an effective catch-up exercise.

 

[tlsmani]

Minor correction: We have less than 259 Su-30MKIs in service. 13 have been lost over the years (not 12), and a few are generally not available due to maintenance and the like. Regardless, if one adds up aircraft used for testing and aircraft assigned to TACDE and other institutions, then our Su-30MKI fleet is, at the most, 259.

We had a foolish DM whose focus was commission for the dynasty of kongis & not country's security
We r paying the price for his role

 

[Shiva]

Easily, one can say these kinds of articles are created with malicious intent. What is the need to take up the past 22 years of data? How does it represent the current condition of the system?

If it is for such a long duration, did they consider similar analyses with other aircraft in countries competing with these aircraft?

The pure intention is only to malign this aircraft, only to create a mood of urgency and dismay among naive media and the public.

Requesting article copywriters to beware of reproducing these kinds of articles by copying them from other sites originating from specific sources.

 

[Shiva]

Could we not have ordered say 48-60 Su30MKI in a super Sukhoi configuration to be delivered by HAL in 4-5 years! Logistically, budget wise and also to address fleet depletion!

We really need fighters before 2030!

Just couple of months before, HAL was successful in makng engine used in Su30MKI (AL-31FP engine) within Indian by imported very few critical component (called as Russian kit).
Before, we need to purchase them.

Russia, do lot of lobbying in this part, as they are seriously interested for a complete migration to a new generation of engine (AL-4xFP or even AL-51FP engine).
But India already purchased AL-31FP (including ToT and spend lots of time and effort in mastering it. Improvements in the next two variants is not really so significant for India to not to improve by ourselves).

In HAL, being a public department, need to complete documentation with sufficient srcuitiny to avoid malpractices, took a couple of months of time, for HAL director , to have a meeting with Russian President. (Indeed, this is really a fastest time we can see. Meeting Russian president after thoruogh scruitiny, can be considered as realtime).

It is very easy to make loose comments.

 

[Shiva]

There is controversy: only 11 recorded crashes in the official database...why 12th...?

Pakis argue a 12th lost in a swift retort...Some Indians argue the 12th is for the HAL/DRDO dedicated experimental program.

These kinds of things often happen with every aircraft; it is only India that publicizes them. Moreover, there is continuous improvement of maintenance processes and procedures. So, it is too much hype speaking on this topic like this.

 

[Anant]

That means SU 30 MKI is the safest fighters plane in the world even safer than F 35.

Not by a long way, but the Su-30MKI does have a decent safety record. Since you did mention the F-35, we've seen 10-11 hull losses for the F-35 against a production rate of over 1,000 jets. In terms of flying hours per loss, the F-35 is still ahead as compared to the Su-30MKI.

That said, the Su-30MKI is pretty decent compared to something like the MiG-29, Su-27, or Mirage 2000.

 

[Anant]

There is controversy: only 11 recorded crashes in the official database...why 12th...?

Pakis argue a 12th lost in a swift retort...Some Indians argue the 12th is for the HAL/DRDO dedicated experimental program.

Nope. 12 confirmed crashes till date, and 1 unconfirmed crash (that is, the aircraft was possibly repaired afterwards). Granted, one of these crashes was the result of a mid-air collision, and another two were accidental, but that is still those airframes lost.

 

[Anant]

Easily, one can say these kinds of articles are created with malicious intent. What is the need to take up the past 22 years of data? How does it represent the current condition of the system?

If it is for such a long duration, did they consider similar analyses with other aircraft in countries competing with these aircraft?

The pure intention is only to malign this aircraft, only to create a mood of urgency and dismay among naive media and the public.

Requesting article copywriters to beware of reproducing these kinds of articles by copying them from other sites originating from specific sources.

Nothing wrong with that. These 12 jets were ordered specifically as attrition replacements, so a comparison is very much justified.

See, the Su-30MKI has a decent safety record in terms of flying hours per loss, so there is that.