Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) Nashik facility is rapidly transforming into the central hub for India's ambitious fighter jet production programs.
Already gearing up for the production of the indigenous Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), the facility is also slated to be the manufacturing base for the futuristic Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and potentially even the Russian Su-57E, making it a cornerstone of India's aerospace capabilities.
The Nashik plant, located in Maharashtra, boasts a significant history in aircraft production. It has served as the primary production center for the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, the Indian Air Force's (IAF) frontline fighter.
Under a licensing agreement with Russia, the facility has successfully manufactured over 200 Su-30 MKI jets, demonstrating its proficiency in handling complex aircraft assembly and systems integration. This history is characterized by a skilled workforce, advanced infrastructure, and extensive experience.
In line with India's "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India) initiatives, which promote domestic defence production, HAL has been increasingly focusing on indigenous projects.
The Nashik facility is currently being upgraded to manufacture the Tejas Mk1A, an improved version of the LCA. This multi-role, lightweight fighter is crucial for the IAF. HAL is contracted to deliver 83 Tejas Mk1A aircraft to the IAF, following a ₹48,000 crore (approximately $5.8 billion USD) agreement signed in 2021, with production already in progress.
Beyond the Tejas, the Nashik facility is also the planned production site for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India's indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter program.
The AMCA, developed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) with the IAF and other partners, is designed to incorporate stealth, supercruise (ability to sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners), advanced avionics, and sensor fusion. The AMCA is expected to begin production in the early 2030s. The initial version (Mark 1) will use General Electric F414 engines, while a later Mark 2 version is planned to include even more advanced, sixth-generation technologies.
Choosing Nashik for AMCA production highlights HAL's plan to centralize its fighter jet manufacturing. Utilizing the existing infrastructure and skilled workforce at Nashik aims to streamline the AMCA's production, reduce costs, and speed up delivery.
Adding another dimension to Nashik's expanding role, Russia has proposed the facility for the potential local production of the Su-57E, the export variant of its fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 "Felon" stealth fighter.
Rostec, the Russian state-owned defense conglomerate, has indicated a strong interest in using the Nashik plant, should India decide to purchase the Su-57E with local manufacturing rights. This builds upon the successful Indo-Russian collaboration at Nashik on the Su-30 MKI.
Russia is promoting the Su-57E as a fifth-generation fighter that can immediately enhance the IAF's capabilities while India continues to develop the AMCA. The Su-57E features advanced stealth capabilities, supermaneuverability (enhanced agility), a sophisticated radar system, and can carry a diverse arsenal, including hypersonic missiles. Russia emphasizes the potential for technology transfer and joint production, which could boost India's aerospace industry.
However, the decision to acquire the Su-57E is under careful consideration by the Indian government. Key concerns include evaluations of the aircraft's stealth capabilities compared to Western counterparts like the F-35. Additionally, while past collaborations with Russia have been generally successful, there have been instances of delays in spare parts and maintenance support – a vital factor for a front-line combat aircraft.
The potential production of the Su-57E at Nashik presents significant strategic and economic considerations. Strategically, it would strengthen defence cooperation with Russia, even as India broadens its procurement to include Western aircraft like the Dassault Rafale and pursues indigenous programs like the AMCA. Local Su-57E production could also offer valuable knowledge and expertise in fifth-generation technologies, potentially benefiting the AMCA program.
Economically, manufacturing the Su-57E at Nashik would create employment, stimulate the local aerospace sector, and reinforce HAL's standing in the global fighter jet manufacturing landscape. However, it would also necessitate significant investment to adapt the Nashik facility for a new aircraft type, in addition to its existing commitments to the Tejas Mk1A and AMCA. The Indian government and HAL must carefully weigh these competing demands.
