HAL to Roll Out Final 2 Su-30MKIs for Indian Air Force

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has completed manufacturing final two out of 272 Su-30MKI fighter jets contracted from Russia for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

“One aircraft is certified and inducted for BrahMos modification. Another aircraft has been produced and planned to be certified by February end,” a HAL official was quoted as saying by The Hindu.

The delivery formalities for acceptance by the customer are being finalised.

India had contracted the Su-30s from Russia in batches of which 222 were assembled by HAL at its Nasik plant under Transfer of technology (ToT) since 2004.

“This is the last of the major ToT projects of HAL,” said R. Madhavan, Chairman and Managing Director as it has completed manufacturing the British Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT) and for the Dornier aircraft the full design and manufacturing licence is with India.

Of the 272 fighters, 40 are being modified to carry the air launched version of the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos.

IAF plans to buy 12 more Su-30MKIs to supplement the existing jets. A contract for HAL to license-produce these aircraft was approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) last July.