Indo-Russian Su-30 Spare Parts Deal Excludes Technology Transfer

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Russian manufacturers of Sukhoi-30 aircraft have signed an agreement for the supply of spares that does not involve any technology transfer.

HAL signed agreements with United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and United Engine Corporation (UEC) for long-term support on after sales service of Su-30 MKI aircraft, Business Standard reported today.

"The Agreement signed by HAL with Russian OEMs are for long-term supply of spares and rendering technical assistance for five years and do not cover any technology transfer," Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply.

The agreement, signed during the Indo-Russian Military-Industrial Conference held here on March 17-18, will allow HAL to procure spares on the price catalogues directly from the manufacturers, thus improving the after sales service by reducing lead time in their procurement.

In past there have been occasions when the frontline strike fighter of the Indian Air Force suffered serviceability problems.

One of the agreements, signed between HAL and UAC, is for the supply of spares and technical assistance for five years, while the second between HAL and UEC is for supply of spares for engines of Russian origin.

Su-30 MKI aircraft with the IAF suffer from poor serviceability, which is just around 55 per cent against the prescribed norm of 75 per cent, according to a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in December 2015.

In January 2017, then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said the serviceability of the fighters has improved, and is now at 60 per cent.

The current serviceability of the Su-30 MKI fleet is between 60 and 65 per cent, Parrikar added.