Russia Resists HAL's Plan to Increase Indigenous Content in AL-31FP Engines, Cites ToT Agreement and IP Rights

India's efforts to boost domestic production of the AL-31FP aero engines, which power the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI fighter jets, have encountered resistance from Russia.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) currently produces these engines under license at its Koraput division, with an indigenous content level of less than 54%. HAL aims to increase this to 63% in the coming years, but Russia's reluctance to approve further localization efforts poses a significant challenge.

The primary obstacle lies in the original transfer of technology (ToT) agreement, which stipulates that HAL must source raw materials for the AL-31FP engines exclusively from Russia. This restriction limits HAL's ability to substitute components with locally manufactured parts or utilize Indian alloys without Russian approval.

Although HAL and the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) have formulated plans to replace certain assemblies and sub-assemblies with indigenously produced equivalents, Russia has cautioned that such modifications could void the engines' warranty.

Russia's stance is rooted in its desire to protect its intellectual property (IP) rights over the AL-31FP engines. Moscow seeks to safeguard its proprietary technologies and maintain a degree of control over the production process.

Despite these hurdles, HAL and GTRE remain committed to increasing the indigenization of the AL-31FP engines. Replacing key assemblies with components manufactured using Indian alloys and raw materials is seen as crucial for enhancing the engines' durability and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

However, if HAL proceeds with these modifications without Russian authorization, it will have to assume full responsibility for the engines' performance, including providing warranties and after-sales support. This could potentially increase the cost and complexity of maintenance for the Indian Air Force.

 

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[s James]

Good move let's increase the Self reliance
Every year 10%
If need pay one time cost to Russia settle it now .
Hope all property Rights india Holds ,as good will we can support Russian too
Keep moving forward ✨️ Kill the fear

 

[R. Singh]

Better HAL and Sukhoi make a new lighter version of Super Su-30 MKI ( 18 ton) single seat twin engine ! This picture look a like single seat Su-30 !

 

[KVS]

Why not try for a compromises? 🤔
If HAL is confident about its ability to make/get all components locally, why not settle with Russia on TOT entirely through additional payment?🙂

 

[Mithu Roy]

We have got money now therefore we can manage warranty without Russians

 

[sanket]

HAL-GTRE should go ahead and take responsibility for engine performance and after-sales service support. It will be a good move. Already, some components have been produced locally from IAF feedback. The performance was improved after HAL/GTRE-designed components for AL-31FP replaced Russian components. Another eye-opener for naysayers: ToT for the AL-31FP engine.

 

[Anant]

We have got money now therefore we can manage warranty without Russians

Um, what? The simple thing about warranty is that if the engine fails, Russia reimburses us for the engine. Are you saying we should skip the warranty entirely? Do mind that the AL-31FP is a ridiculously expensive engine.

 

[swatkats_razor]

AL-31FP is a ridiculously expensive engine.

I am certain things can be done on the side by GTRE to produce, test, and commission reverse-engineered engines to replace Russian engines. The cost would be justified by the knowledge base this would build, and a warranty can be provided by GTRE.