CCS approves buying 240 aero engines from HAL for Rs 26,000 crore

The IAF has around 260 SU-30 MKI aircraft which form the backbone of its fighter fleet. The fourth-generation fighter jet is powered by two AL-31 FP aero engines. AL-31FP is a high-temperature turbojet by-pass engine of modular design.

As per the Defence Ministry, the supply of these aero-engines by HAL would meet the fleet sustenance requirement of IAF to continue their unhindered operations and strengthen the defence preparedness of the country.

This means the existing engines of over 100 SU-30 MKIs reaching the end of their operational life will be replaced with the new engines.
The engines will have indigenous content over 54 per cent, enhanced due to indigenisation of some key components of aero-engines and will be manufactured at the Koraput division of HAL.

Last year, the IAF had floated an Expression of Interest for the repair and overhaul of 18 AL-31 FP aero engines for five years. This year, HAL secured a contract to deliver over 100 Klimov RD-33 engines to power the MiG-29 upgraded fleet of the IAF.