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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has officially outlined the delivery schedule for the dozen new Su-30MKI combat aircraft recently ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Speaking during the company's financial review for the fourth quarter of FY26, HAL representatives verified that the initial jet from this latest contract will be handed over during the 2027-28 financial year.
The subsequent eleven aircraft are slated to join the IAF fleet the following year, in FY 2028-29.
The central government previously cleared the acquisition of these 12 twin-engine, multirole platforms at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 11,000 crore.
This procurement is primarily designed to replenish the IAF's combat numbers, addressing the shortfall caused by aircraft lost to attrition and accidents in recent decades.
Furthermore, this contract guarantees the continued operation of HAL's Nashik facility, an industrial hub that has been instrumental in the licensed production of these Russian-designed jets in India.
Company officials noted that the preliminary stages of manufacturing and the alignment of the supply chain are already in motion.
HAL is actively structuring its assembly timelines to ensure a smooth rollout of this final contingent of Su-30MKI airframes for the nation's defence forces.
Currently acting as the primary heavy-weight fighter for the IAF, the Su-30MKI represents the most numerous combat aircraft in the Indian inventory.
The versatile platform is equipped to execute a wide array of combat operations, ranging from securing air superiority and launching deep penetration strikes to maritime patrols and highly accurate ground bombardments.
Bringing in these additional twelve jets will not only sustain the required squadron numbers but also promote fleet uniformity and higher operational readiness.
Notably, this fresh batch is projected to feature more than 60% indigenous content.
They will be equipped with locally developed flight systems, advanced avionics, and are fully capable of deploying native weapon systems such as the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and the formidable BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
Defence analysts highlight that this acquisition holds substantial value for India's domestic aerospace sector.
It safeguards the extensive manufacturing expertise, the established network of local suppliers, and the highly trained workforce at HAL that manages the intricate assembly of these advanced fighters.
Historically, the HAL Nashik division has been responsible for producing the vast majority of India's Su-30MKI fighters through a comprehensive technology transfer agreement with Russia.
Over the past couple of decades, the platform has seen a consistent rise in local manufacturing, driven by successful partnerships with various Indian public and private enterprises.
Moving forward, this latest assembly line production will heavily rely on the domestic aerospace ecosystem.
By incorporating Indian-made structural elements, mission computers, and critical components, the project continues to cement the nation's broader push toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
