Russia Pitches AL-41 Engine for India's Su-30MKI Fleet, Replacing Older AL-31 Engine to Give Su-57 Jet Like Stealth Capabilities

At Aero India 2025, Russia made a significant proposal to India, offering the advanced AL-41 engine that powers its Sukhoi-57 stealth fighter for the upgrade of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Sukhoi-30MKI fleet. This potential upgrade could substantially enhance the performance of the IAF's largest fighter jet fleet, bringing it closer to fifth-generation capabilities.

The Su-30MKI currently utilizes the AL-31 engine, known for its reliability and performance. However, the AL-41 engine, designed for the Su-57, represents a considerable advancement in power, thrust, and efficiency. With an improved thrust-to-weight ratio, better fuel efficiency, and enhanced maneuverability, the AL-41 is a compelling upgrade for the Su-30MKI, a mainstay of the IAF for over two decades.

Vadim Badekha, CEO of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), confirmed this offer at Aero India 2025, stating, "We are offering the new AL-41 engine as part of the Sukhoi-30 upgrade to India." This offer underscores Russia's commitment to strengthening India's air combat capabilities by providing access to cutting-edge engine technology.

The IAF operates 272 Su-30MKI jets, its largest fleet of any single aircraft type. These aircraft play a crucial role in India's air defence strategy, fulfilling diverse roles from air superiority to ground attack. The Su-30MKI's versatility and advanced avionics have established it as one of the IAF's most potent fighter jets.

As the IAF modernizes its fleet and strives to maintain a technological edge, upgrading the Su-30MKI fleet with the AL-41 engine offers a significant opportunity to bolster its capabilities. This upgrade could substantially improve the fighter's speed, agility, and overall mission effectiveness.

Designed for high-performance aircraft like the Su-57, the AL-41 engine offers several advantages:

• Improved Thrust: The AL-41's superior thrust-to-weight ratio would enhance the Su-30MKI's performance in air combat, particularly during high-speed maneuvers and at higher altitudes.
• Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: Increased fuel efficiency translates to extended range and operational endurance, crucial factors in modern aerial warfare.
• Increased Reliability: The AL-41 is built for demanding conditions, making it a durable choice for the Su-30MKI's diverse operational environments.
• Fifth-Generation Capabilities: Integrating the AL-41 would provide the Su-30MKI with some of the performance enhancements found in the Su-57, bringing India's air power closer to fifth-generation standards.

This potential upgrade reflects the ongoing evolution of India's defence capabilities and its pursuit of advanced technologies to maintain a strong air force in a dynamic geopolitical landscape.

 

[sanket]

I have said a hundred times that the IAF should consider higher thrust engines, whether it is an AL-41 or AL-51 derivative, since it is going to remain till 2060. After the Super Sukhoi upgrade, it can carry heavy weapons too.

 

[PKPRS]

Yes, AL-41 would be much more powerful, but IAF guys are extremely smart to suggest HAL.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Lapak Lo! But knowing GOI, they won't take this golden opportunity.

 

[Dredd]

Lapak Lo! But knowing GOI, they won't take this golden opportunity.

Cost-benefit analysis doesn't warrant an engine change for Su30MKI. The current engine is good enough for Su30MKI's role and future needs.

 

[Radha Ramanan]

Sorry Putin, we are not falling for it. The AL-31 was included in the Su-30 deal in the beginning. Russia was nearly bankrupt at that time and gave us a good deal with the TOT to an extent for the engine. Many years have passed, we know the engine thoroughly. We still import the crucial hot section of the engine from Russia. We make around 50-60% of the engine, that's all. Though the bait of better performance, better fuel efficiency are dangled, it's prudent to stay with the old engine. Today's air warfare is more to do with netcentric, EW, data links, data fusion, AI decision-making for the pilot, situational awareness, etc.

Russia is not going to give it at those old rates at all. The want more money to subsidise the later engine from the al-41 which is an iterim engine forthe su-57. The IAF knows better. In fact the russian learnt a lot from us as we were the largest fliers of the su-30 with extensive flight hours. We faced problems from the digital FBW system, placement of switches and engine related problems and many more as well.

 

[beencensured]

Lapak Lo! But knowing GOI, they won't take this golden opportunity.

The same engines were offered on Super Sukhoi upgrades. IAF did not see any need then (2011-2012), it took twelve years to finalize.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

What is the requirement of a costly engine? Do we need extra power? How does the new engine enhance stealth?

We should try to further indigenize A31FP and develop its derivative engines and maybe further increase its MTBO.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Yes, AL-41 would be much more powerful, but IAF guys are extremely smart to suggest HAL.

IAF has nothing to do with upgrades. It's MOD which decides what tech goes into the upgraded SUPER SUKHOI.

 

[P.K Senapati]

We need the latest version of the AL-51 engine with Su-57 or Su-75. It has higher thrust for stealth supercruise, stealth composite in the fan, and a stealth nozzle. We need not go for AL-41, rather continue with increasing local content and indigenization of AL-31.

 

[Dredd]

Sorry Putin, we are not falling for it. The AL-31 was included in the Su-30 deal in the beginning. Russia was nearly bankrupt at that time and gave us a good deal with the TOT to an extent for the engine. Many years have passed, we know the engine thoroughly. We still import the crucial hot section of the engine from Russia. We make around 50-60% of the engine, that's all. Though the bait of better performance, better fuel efficiency are dangled, it's prudent to stay with the old engine. Today's air warfare is more to do with netcentric, EW, data links, data fusion, AI decision-making for the pilot, situational awareness, etc.

It was a good deal, but HAL made it into a bad one with the domestic one costing double the imported one despite lower labor costs. Also, they didn't learn anything from ToT. HAL also failed to do continuous upgrades to subsystems, and we were getting almost the same Su-30MKI between 2000 and 2019.

 

[kumar]

It is AL51 or no AL41 at all. We have already improved AL31 and there is no need to invest and make AL41. As such, the new AESA radar for SU30 will be GaN based. We don't need AL41.

 

[kumar]

What is the requirement of a costly engine? Do we need extra power? How does the new engine enhance stealth?

We should try to further indigenize A31FP and develop its derivative engines and maybe further increase its MTBO.

We are already doing that for AL31, and hence IAF is not interested in repeating that exercise again. Anyways, with the new AESA radar being GaN based, we don't need AL41 as of now. Only if AL51, 5th gen engine is offered, then it is worthwhile investing our time into it.

 

[Chitra]

Full transfer of technology with a license to make in India. Else do not take any bites. India has supported Russia in many ways.

 

[Mridul baruah]

Even if we need it we will sit on this offer for a decade and then make a decision.

 

[Koorma]

AL31 is good enough and costs less. So AL41 is not needed for the Su30-MKI.

 

[Sandeep]

Replacing the engines will be very expensive and the better performance and fuel efficiency rate will be minimal to try and justify such a high cost.

Also we definitely won’t get 100% of the technology or get to manufacture most of it in India by using Indian raw materials rather than having to import the materials from Russia like the current engines. This increases the overall cost rather than just importing it directly which will be much cheaper. Also we already have a large work force that’s qualified in the aerospace industry and with experience, knowledge, engineering, metallurgy etc.

By now we have already started and developed an entire eco system with Indian supply chains and material providers for the AL31 engine so switching to the AL41 will require us to start a brand new eco system which takes time and money.

 

[beencensured]

Even if we need it we will sit on this offer for a decade and then make a decision.

India went for an indigenous solution, also upgraded the AL31FP engines.

 

[Hari Sud]

Will the new engine fit into the opening of the old Sukhoi engine? Otherwise, too much work is involved.

 

[Harsh]

What are you thinking? Get it for Tejas and AMCA (maybe AL51). We can wait for F404/414 for another decade.

 

[Pad UwU]

This is way better than waiting GE's engine if we can't even have it.... The old AL-31f would be good for the kamikaze drone use if we want a defensive weapon against China

 

[Pad UwU]

We need the latest version of the AL-51 engine with Su-57 or Su-75. It has higher thrust for stealth supercruise, stealth composite in the fan, and a stealth nozzle. We need not go for AL-41, rather continue with increasing local content and indigenization of AL-31.

India has money to buy a lot of the AL51F1 and can't even order a minimum of 200 aircraft to make a relevant deal of getting a lot of the said new engine.

 

[Pad UwU]

It is AL51 or no AL41 at all. We have already improved AL31 and there is no need to invest and make AL41. As such, the new AESA radar for SU30 will be GaN based. We don't need AL41.

AL31 is good for kamikaze drones, but for newer aircraft it's okay but not quite good enough.

 

[kumar]

AL31 is good for kamikaze drones, but for newer aircraft it's okay but not quite good enough.

That way AL41 is good for Loyal Wingman but not for 5th gen aircraft. You are just peddling AL41.

 

[kumar]

This is way better than waiting GE's engine if we can't even have it.... The old AL-31f would be good for the kamikaze drone use if we want a defensive weapon against China

The new AL41 will not give us any significant advantage vis-à-vis China.