Why India Sticks With Modernized AL-31FP Engine Over AL-41F-1S for Su-30MKI Upgrade, Despite Latter Having Better Performance

In a move that has raised some eyebrows in the international defence community, India has opted to stick with modernized AL-31FP engines for its Su-30MKI "Super-30" upgrade program, despite Russia's state-owned arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, advocating for the superior AL-41F-1S engine.

While the AL-41F-1S, also known as the article 117S, boasts an 18% increase in thrust generation, improved fuel efficiency, and seamless compatibility with the Su-30MKI airframe, India's decision-makers have cited cost considerations, technology transfer opportunities, and the existing logistical and maintenance infrastructure supporting the AL-31FP as key factors in their choice.

The AL-31FP, though less powerful than its successor, has proven its reliability and effectiveness over the years, meeting the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Moreover, India's plan to manufacture 240 AL-31FP engines domestically underscores the country's emphasis on self-reliance in defence production.

The decision also highlights India's pragmatic approach to defence procurement in a complex geopolitical landscape.

While the AL-41F-1S undoubtedly offers superior performance, the transition would necessitate substantial investments in upgrades and training, a burden India seems unwilling to bear under current budget constraints.

Despite Russia's disappointment with India's decision, the move reflects a carefully calculated balance between performance enhancement and fiscal prudence.

The modernized AL-31FP engines, with their upgraded FADEC-type digital control system, offer a significant improvement over the existing powerplants, ensuring that India's Su-30MKI fleet remains a formidable force in the region.

As India continues to strengthen its defence capabilities, the AL-31FP engine upgrade represents a strategic choice that prioritizes stability, reliability, and self-reliance.

 

[Sudhir K]

With indigenous FADEC there is increase in fuel efficiency as per reports. By how much? Also the power required is adequate to fly these planes and proved as they successfully demonstrated Bramos.

Can we use these engines for our future endeavors ?

 

[Hey]

Time to indiginize AL31FP and increase MTBO.

By 2030 the indigenous would be around 60-65% , currently it is 54%

Godrej & other private companies & MSMEs are getting matured..

70% is indigenisation is very good number in any jet Engine.

 

[Hey]

Russia has been touting its AL-41F-1S for a long time but IAF chose AL-31FP to keep the present Manfacturing knowledge and possibly more indigenization.

Right now local manufacturing is at 54% and is very poor. Remember GE F-414INS6 is getting 80% TOT and local manufacturing.

I think India will face problems with AL-31FP as Russia will not be working on it anymore.
For every problem resolution, India has to pay exorbitant amounts to get the issues fixed.

AL-41F-1S would be the best for all SU-30MKis upgrades to Super Sukhois.

80% number is only from media speculations & it will be the max technology they are offering..

The reach that 80% Indigenous content would be a big challenge for Private & MSMEs , for the first few lots the indigenous level be very low , just like any other product.. Then it will increase year by year , & then in around 5-8 years it would reach 80%

 

[Sir Capt]

Junk. Reliability and maintenance nightmares. The hallmarks of Russian equipment.

 

[Akshat]

then what's the point of upgrade when your power source is outdated??

So you need to change even what works or else you can’t call it an upgrade?

 

[Akshat]

Why?. Your master America is not giving us any engine technology and same is the case with French and England. That leaves us with the option of only Russian.

And Russia will give us engine tech? 😂😂😂

 

[Varaaah]

Ask Russia to de develop an engine specially for India with all rights for India and full ToT. They can ask a few billion $$ for it.

 

[indiadefenselover]

If AL41 gives lifespan of 6000 hrs with mean time to overhaul of 1000 hrs it's worth. Otherwise AL31FP is far more good than AL41. We don't need more thrust we need reliability and local production from scratch.

 

[Pad UwU]

Ask Russia to de develop an engine specially for India with all rights for India and full ToT. They can ask a few billion $$ for it.

Indian government doesn't have budget to pay at least a minimum of $15~25 billion for new infrastructure tech transfer and equipment plus the alloys and order of 200 engine

 

[abhinav srivastava]

By 2030 the indigenous would be around 60-65% , currently it is 54%

Godrej & other private companies & MSMEs are getting matured..

70% is indigenisation is very good number in any jet Engine.

That era is gone. Time for full indegenisation of core systems

 

[PKPRS]

Time to indiginize AL31FP and increase MTBO.

Time to fit AL-31FP engine in TEDBF and ORCA too.

 

[Air Commodore DB Murali VSM Retd]

Bearing material of the Inter Rotor Bearing (IRB) of AL31FP to be changed to higher grade steel will make it at par with AL 41 ... But a distinct advantage of AL 41 engine is doing away with ISB Inter Shaft Bearing and no flexible shaft ... A great upgrade ... Also, the turbine blade tip clearances are easier to manage in overhaul as they are shrouded blades. More so, the Graphite sealing ring after IRB has improved fit with IRB location shifted forward for better loading .... In short AL 41 was the best choice to opt for the long run but in IRB material can be changed to improved steel grade it will be good for SUs