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
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…
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.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
