Defence public sector major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is set to revive the production of Russian Su-30MKI fighter jets at its facility in Nashik.
The Nashik division of HAL—a state-of-the-art facility that comprises a full gamut of aircraft manufacturing, overhaul, and design capabilities—was established in 1964 for the license manufacture of MiG-21 fighter aircraft. The division has produced more than 900 aircraft and overhauled more than 1,900 military aircraft, from MiG-21 and MiG-27 to Su-30MKI. Currently, the division is providing comprehensive overhaul and repair support for Su-30MKI aircraft.
According to a report by The Economic Times, DPSU is expected to deliver as many as 12 new aircraft, with over 50 per cent indigenous content, by 2029. The order for 12 additional aircraft was placed to replace the jets that were lost in accidents.
The first of these fighters is expected to be delivered by 2027-28.
Besides, the Nashik facility of HAL will also carry out comprehensive upgrades of the current Su-30MKI fleet with the support of DRDO and the private sector. The upgrade, according to the ET report, to be carried out in two phases, will also include a new India-made radar, which will make the jet capable of detecting and engaging targets that are at much greater distances.
Last year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had inaugurated the third Production Line of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A and the second Production Line of Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40) at the Nashik facility. He had then hailed HAL Nashik for playing a major role in taking India’s defence manufacturing capabilities to newer heights for over six decades—from manufacturing and overhauling fighter jets such as MiG-21 and MiG-27 to becoming the production house of Su-30MKI aircraft.
