Now Reading: HAL revives Su-30MKI production, will deliver 12 jets by 2029
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HAL revives Su-30MKI production, will deliver 12 jets by 2029
The Story in Brief
The Story in Brief
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will restart production of Su-30MKI fighter jets at its Nashik facility, with 12 new aircraft to be delivered by 2029. The Economic Times reports the first jet is expected in 2027-28 under a ₹11,000-crore order placed in December 2024 to replace aircraft lost in accidents. HAL had earlier built 222 Su-30MKIs under Russian licence. The new jets will have over 50% indigenous content.
The Nashik facility is also expected to lead a ₹60,000-crore comprehensive upgrade of the existing fleet, likely with DRDO support and private-sector components. According to Business Today, the upgrade will be in two phases: first, new avionics, radar, electronic warfare systems and infrared search-and-track systems; second, flight control systems. The new indigenous radar aims to address concerns about detection range in older jets.
The Indian Opinion
The claim that a revived Su-30MKI line is a major leap is exaggerated; 12 new aircraft will barely replace accident losses and keep the fleet stable. The real test is whether the ₹60,000-crore upgrade with indigenous radars and EW systems actually delivers on time, or if it gets bogged down like past DRDO projects. Watch the first delivery in 2027-28: a delay signals deeper problems in India's defence manufacturing push.
Sources (2): economictimes.indiatimes.com, businesstoday.in
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
Ashin Xavier: interesting
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