BrahMos Missile Mounted On Su-30MKI Without Russian Help: HAL Chairman

Indian Hindustan Aeronautics did not seek any help from the Russian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)for mounting BrahMos missile on Su-30MKI, Hindustan Aeronautics chairman said Saturday.

“This unique program was taken up by HAL as an indigenous challenge at its Nashik Division and the required data was generated without the assistance of OEM for the modification. It is not the techno-economics of the project, but HAL’s commitment to self-reliance which made HAL to sign the contract with BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL) in 2014 for modification of two Su30 MKI aircraft for integration of BrahMos missile,” T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL said in a statement.

The first carriage flight of Su-30 MKI aircraft with BrahMos missile was achieved at HAL Airport, Nashik on Saturday. “It is a perfect example of Make in India and an engineering marvel in aviation history of India. It proves that when all agencies come together with one mission, there is nothing like impossible,” Raju said.

The first modified aircraft was airborne in one year and the second aircraft in the second year. This is the second project where HAL presumed the role of OEM and modified the airframe of license build aircraft, he added.

The Su-30MKI fighter is manufactured by Russian Irkut Corporation and marketed by Rosoboronexport. BAPL is a joint venture by Russian Federation's NPO Mashinostroeyenia and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

With successful integration of BrahMos on Su-30 MKI aircraft has become a lethal weapon delivery platform for IAF.  Around 40 Su-30 MKI aircraft are expected to be modified. The maiden flight will be followed by series of test flights and complete evaluation and certification of BrahMos missle on Su30 MKI aircraft, added Mr. Raju.