Bad news for Pakistan as India to manufacture modern fighter jet engines locally, takes big step as HAL CMD visits…

New Delhi: India desires to utterly end its dependence on foreign countries for fighter jets. For this, India has chosen its old friend Russia. DK Sunil, the CMD of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) visited Russia to speak about the serial production of the engines of fighter jets working in the Indian Air Force (IAF) in India itself.

India and Russia are exploring the possibility of jointly making engines for Sukhoi aircraft. For this, special focal point is being given on the AL-30FP engine utilized in the Sukhoi-31MKI fleet.

A delegation led by HAL CMD DK Sunil is currently in Russia to sign an agreement for license manufacture of 240 AL-31FP aero engines for Su-30MKI fighter jets in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF). This initiative is a a part of a comprehensive way to extend indigenous defence capabilities and cut back dependence on foreign technology.

Shortage of fighter squadrons in Indian Air Force

The govt.. has recently finalized a contract worth Rs 26 thousand crore (about $ three.1 billion) with HAL for the acquisition of 240 AL-31FP engines. The aim of this deal is to extend the capacity of the Indian Air Force’s fleet of Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft. The largest reason in the back of it is that there's a shortage of fighter squadrons in the Indian Air Force.

HAL plans to extend the indigenous content of these engines from 54% to sixty three% throughout production. The move is likewise aimed toward boosting local manufacturing capabilities and decreasing dependence on Russian components. The engines will likely be manufactured at HAL’s Koraput facility in Odisha and a ramification the components will likely be sourced from Russia for now.

Joint production venture

As opposed to this, a likely joint production venture between India and Russia is likewise being discussed. It'll also consist of technology transfer. In addition to procuring engines, HAL is likewise set to upgrade its entire Su-30 fleet at an estimated cost of Rs sixty five,000 crore.

A fighter jet needs additional engines throughout its life. On the total, the life of a fighter jet is 30 to forty years. Meanwhile, the engines are changed two to thrice. The Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft also need new engines.