Blitz Bureau
Aproposal for the procurement of 240 aero-engines (AL-31FP) for the Su-30 MKI aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on September 2.
The procurement will be done under the Buy (Indian) category from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), at an overall cost of Rs 26,000 crore, inclusive of all taxes and duties. According to the Ministry of Defence, the delivery of these aeroengines would start after one year and be completed over a period of eight years.
The engines will have indigenous content over 54 per cent enhanced due to indigenisation of some key components and will be manufactured at Koraput division of HAL, an official statement said.
The Ministry that the Su-30 MKI is one of the most powerful and strategically-significant components of the IAF’s fleet and the supply of these aero-engines by HAL would meet the fleet sustenance requirement to continue their unhindered operations and strengthen the defence preparedness of the country.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had last week informed that the ‘GE414’ engines for the fighter jets will now be made in India. He marked it a remarkable progress in the country’s engine-making capability. He referred to his recent US visit, stating that he had fruitful discussions with the US defence companies and they are excited to join the ‘Make in India’ programme.
