Forty Su-30MKIs to Undergo Brahmos Missile Integration: Indian Minister

Some 40 Indian Air Force (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter jets are to undergo integration with the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile following the successful test firing of the missile from the air a fortnight ago.

India Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Subhash Bhamre said, “Given the successful integration of BraMos on Su-30 MKI, 40 more aircraft will undergo such integration. Besides this, HAL can shift part of its LCA manufacturing at Nashik and there is possibility of FGFA (Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft) work happening at Nashik.”

 Dr. Brahme was speaking at a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Summit held at HAL’s manufacturing facility in Nashik today. He assured HAL that work for the Nashik plant will continue to flow even after Su-MKI manufacturing and production activities conclude in next few years.

Mr. Udayanth Malhatra, CEO&MD of Dynamatic Technologies Limited (Bengaluru) symbolically handed over 100th Ship set of Su-30 MKI Assemblies to Mr. Raju  in the presence of the minister.

Dr. Bhamre  in his speech  pointed out that the delivery of 100th empennage assemblies also affirms the successful public private partnership in outsourcing of aircraft assemblies, first time in the country, which has become role model under 'Make in India’ program.

Expressing concern over HAL’s order book beyond 2020-21, Dr. Bhamre said HAL’s facility is of national importance and cannot be allowed to be idle. Additional orders on HAL would help the IAF bridge the gap between the existing and desired squadron strength in the shortest possible time.l