India Orders Su-30MKI Engines Worth $3B

The Indian defense ministry has placed an order for 240 AL-31FP engines to equip the air force's Su-30MKI fleet.

A contract worth INR 26,000 crore (approximately $3 billion) was signed on September 9 between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the ministry. Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari were present at the signing.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the Sukhoi engine contract on September 2.

HAL will build the engines at its Koraput facility, delivering 30 engines per year over eight years. The project involves collaboration with India's defense manufacturing network, including small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to increase local component usage to 63%, up from 54%.

The Indian Air Force operates over 250 Su-30MKI fighter jets and plans to upgrade them to the "Super Sukhoi" standard.

The AL-31FP is a turbofan engine developed by Saturn AL, a Russian aerospace company, specifically designed for the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI aircraft. It is a variant of the AL-31F engine, which powers the Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets. With a thrust of 12,500 kgf (122.6 kN) with afterburner and 9,000 kgf (88.3 kN) dry thrust, the AL-31FP offers improved performance and reliability.

The engine features a bypass ratio of 0.59 and an overall pressure ratio of 23, with a turbine temperature of 1,670 K (1,397°C). Its fuel consumption rate is 0.67 kg/kgf-h (0.67 lb/lbf-h), making it a relatively efficient powerplant. One of the notable features of the AL-31FP is its thrust-vectoring nozzle, which allows for enhanced maneuverability and combat capabilities.

The AL-31FP has undergone various upgrades and life-extension programs.