12 Su30MKIs more for IAF
defence ministry has cleared acquisition of 12 Su30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, in the biggest deal for Russian-origin equipment for the armed forces since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The fighter jets will be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and the deal for aircraft and associated equipment is likely to be around Rs 11,000 crore. This will include budget for modernisation of the larger fleet as well.
India had acquired 272 Su30MKI, making it the largest combat aircraft fleet with IAF.
The 12 jets are likely to have more than 50% indigenous content as several parts have been indigenised by HAL which has the capability to manufacture and maintain Su30MKIs. The jets will also have several Indian origin equipment including communications and will be integrated with domestically produced weapon systems.
The last order for fighter jets placed by India was in 2021 for 83 indigenous LCA Mk1A aircraft.
The first of these is to be delivered early next year.
Since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine, India has been facing difficulties in processing payments for Russian origin equipment, due to the west's financial sanctions. Sources said that in the past few months, the payments process has eased out, enabling transfer of money to Russian defence entities.
The Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council accorded acceptance of necessity for a total nine proposals worth ₹45,000 crore on Friday.
