India Boosts Defence with HAL Contract for 240 Su-30MKI Engines
New Delhi [India], September 9, 2024: In a significant move to support Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 240 AL-31FP aero engines for Su-30MKI aircraft, costing over Rs 26,000 crore.
Contract Details
The contract was signed by senior officials of MoD and HAL in the presence of Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari in New Delhi on September 9, 2024. These engines will be manufactured by HAL’s Koraput Division and will help sustain the operational capability of the Indian Air Force’s Su-30 fleet.
Production and Delivery
HAL will supply 30 aero engines per year, with the entire order of 240 engines to be completed over the next eight years. During manufacturing, HAL plans to involve the country’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, including MSMEs and public and private industries, to increase the indigenous content of repair and overhaul tasks.
Government Investment
The government is heavily investing in defence and aerospace manufacturing, with several defence hubs being established. Indian defence PSUs have seen high returns on equities due to fresh orders. The central government aims to achieve Rs 175,000 crore in indigenous defence manufacturing, including Rs 35,000 crore in defence exports, by 2024-25.
Defence Exports Growth
India’s defence exports reached a record Rs 21,083 crore (about USD 2.63 billion) in the financial year 2023-24, growing 32.5% over the previous fiscal year. Defence exports have increased 31 times over the last decade compared to 2013-14.
Doubts Revealed
HAL -: HAL stands for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is an Indian company that makes aircraft and other aerospace products.
Su-30MKI -: Su-30MKI is a type of fighter jet used by the Indian Air Force. It is very fast and can carry weapons to protect the country.
AL-31FP -: AL-31FP is a type of engine used in the Su-30MKI fighter jets. It helps the jet to fly and perform well in the air.
Ministry of Defence -: The Ministry of Defence is a part of the Indian government that takes care of the country’s defense and military matters.
Koraput Division -: Koraput Division is a part of HAL located in Koraput, Odisha. It is where the engines for the fighter jets will be made.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat -: Aatmanirbhar Bharat means ‘Self-Reliant India.’ It is a mission by the Indian government to make India more independent and strong by producing more things within the country.
Rs 26,000 crore -: Rs 26,000 crore is a large amount of money. In this context, it is the cost of making the 240 engines for the fighter jets.
Indian Air Force -: The Indian Air Force is the air branch of the Indian military. They use aircraft to protect the country from threats.
indigenous defence manufacturing -: Indigenous defence manufacturing means making defense equipment and weapons within India, rather than buying them from other countries.
