IRKUT to Complete Su-30MKI Kit Deliveries to India in 2015

IRKUT Corporation of Russia will complete deliveries of Su-30MKI aircraft kits to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) during 2015. In total, IRKUT Corporation will have successfully delivered 222 aircraft kits for assembly at (HAL) Nashik plant. Currently HAL is in Phase IV of assembly which means it is manufacturing parts from the raw material stage with complete transfer of technology from IRKUT Corporation. The Su-30MKI programme is a shining example of India-Russia defence cooperation.

HAL has also mastered the overhaul of Su-30MKI programme and delivered the first overhauled aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the end of 2014. To master the whole scope of overhaul procedure is a real challenge with the overhaul technology documentation having been developed by HAL specialists. We at IRKUT supplied the overhaul equipment and assisted in their installation and shared with HAL our experience in such work.

Going forward we envisage further evolution of the Su-30MKI joint program. The integration of the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile onto the Su-30MKI to force-multiply its strike capability is being done in India. The up-gradation of the Su-30MKI aircraft for significant enhancement of its combat and operational capabilities is being positively considered by both sides.