HAL, Rosoboronexport Sign $2.2 Billion Su-30MKI Aircraft Contract

India’s state run defense company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) today signed a contract with Russian arms maker Rosoboronexport for 42 numbers of Su-30 MKI frontline Fighter Aircraft. “HAL’s total responsibility for this supersonic multirole aircraft has now gone up to 222. This will further boost our confidence and operations as we have already delivered 119 Su-30 aircraft to the Air Force. We will continue to contribute to the country’s defence preparedness”, said Dr. R. K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL. One hundred fifty seven Indian vendors are involved in providing 13,350 components of the aircraft while another 19,450 components are manufactured at HAL’s Nasik and Koraput Divisions, added Tyagi. Su-30 MKI is a two-seater, highly manoeuvrable, supersonic, multirole aircraft for day and night operations in all weather conditions. The aircraft is fitted with two turbojet AL-31FP engines and is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics from Russian, Western and indigenous sources, according to a HAL statement. The project has enabled HAL to master niche technologies of aircraft building and absorb new technologies in manufacturing areas like machining, forming, welding, assembly, testing and aircraft system checks. The aircraft airframes are made at Nasik, engines at Koraput, accessories at Hyderabad (communication and navigation), hydraulic, pneumatic and fuel aggregates and instruments at Lucknow and avionic displays and INGPS at Korwa. Overhauling and repairs of Su-30 MKI have already commenced in the dedicated lines set up at Nasik, the statement added. Meanwhile, India and Russia also signed contracts for the purchase of 71 Mi-17B-5 Hip helicopters worth $1.3 billion, while the other provides for the delivery of assembly kits for 42 Su-30MKI Flanker fighters, worth $1.6 billion. In all, the two countries finalized deals worth nearly $3 billion on the eve of Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival in New Delhi.