India faces the constant challenge of potential conflict on two fronts, bordered by Pakistan to the west and China to the east.
Built Assembly Line
To address these threats, India maintains a significant portion of its military forces in high readiness. In a bid to enhance its combat readiness, the Indian Air Force has ordered 240 engines for its fleet of Su-30MKI multi-role fighters, aiming to boost their operational capability.
The Su-30MKI jets, equipped with Russian-made AL-31FP engines, are a tailored variant of the Su-30 fighter, itself a further development of the Su-27, according WP.
Since signing an initial agreement in 1996, India has built an assembly line for these aircraft, and it now operates approximately 270 of them.
Each Su-30MKI is powered by two engines, allowing for remarkable agility and performance, reaching speeds up to Mach 1.9 and climbing at a rate of 300 meters per second. Their operational range without refueling extends up to 1,864 miles (3,000 kilometers).
Increases Local Production
However, the older engines have been problematic, leading to numerous instances of engine failure, which in some cases have resulted in crashes.
To mitigate this issue, the Indian government has negotiated increased local production, with plans for 54% of parts to be manufactured domestically, targeting 63% in the coming years.
The $3.1 billion contract for the new engines will take eight years to complete, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited producing 30 engines annually.
In conjunction with this engine upgrade, India is also modernizing 84 existing Su-30MKIs, integrating advanced technologies like the Uttam AESA radar and a new electronic warfare system.
Although Russia offered upgraded engines for these aircraft, India declined, opting instead for proven technologies that align with its strategic vision.
