In what comes as a major boost to the defence manufacturing and operational capabilities of India, the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to revive its Nashik plant for the production of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets.
The Nashik facility of the HAL, originally established as a dedicated hub for the Su-30MKI, is resuming operations to meet the urgent production demands of this highly advanced, twin-engine, two-seat multi-role fighter aircraft.
The decision by HAL comes in the wake of the $1.3 billion contract approved in September 2023 for the manufacture of 12 new Su-30MKI aircraft. These aircraft are expected to replace those that the IAF lost in various accidents.
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According to an IDRW report, HAL is expected to streamline the production of these 12 fighter jets over the next three years. The move will not only lead to enhanced naval capabilities but will also be a major push for self-reliance in defence.
Meanwhile, media reports also suggest that HAL is pushing for the proposal of the IAF to add as many as 72 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets to its fleets.
Developed through a collaboration between Sukhoi Design Bureau of Russia and HAL, Sukhoi Su-30MKI, a variant of the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30, is specifically tailored to meet the demands of the IAF.
The aircraft, which is now a major part of the Indian Navy's defence capabilities, can reach speeds up to Mach 2 and has a combat range of 3,000 km, extendable to 8,000 km with in-flight refueling.
