(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Indian aerospace company, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is in discussions with Russia and other defense firms to enable the production of Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets locally for the export market.
HAL aims to market its Sukhoi Su-30 fighters to countries that already operate the aircraft, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) currently operates 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters, while Indonesia has 11 Su-30MK2s, and Vietnam has up to 35 Su-30s.
Southeast Asia is a key target market for HAL’s Su-30 aircraft.
According to Indian media reports, HAL plans to manufacture these fighter jets at its Nashik facility, provided that ongoing discussions with its partners are successful.
Russia is reportedly supportive of India’s and HAL’s proposal to produce Sukhoi Su-30 fighters at the Nashik facility, further strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries.
“The collaboration between India and Russia demonstrates mutual support for technology transfer and joint manufacturing, as emphasized during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow,” a source told Indian media.
HAL’s Nashik facility has already proven its capability in maintaining the Indian Air Force’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters.
Recently, the country’s defense secretary handed over the 100th fully serviced Sukhoi Su-30MKI to the Indian Air Force, praising HAL’s establishment of a Repair and Overhaul (ROH) facility.
Despite challenges, HAL’s Nashik facility has successfully serviced 20 Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters for the Indian Air Force within a year.
In addition to maintenance, HAL is also upgrading and modernizing the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKIs by equipping them with more advanced systems and components.
Under the modernization and capability enhancement program, HAL is outfitting the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighters with advanced radar, a mission control system, electronic warfare capabilities, and integrating them with modern weapon systems.
The capability enhancement program is divided into two phases: the first focuses on equipping the aircraft with new avionics, a new flight control system, and replacing Russian-made systems with Indian-made ones, marking a significant advancement in India’s defense technology.
Moreover, the fighter jets will be equipped with new electronic warfare systems to counter threats and disrupt enemy communications, as well as an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system, which will significantly enhance air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting capabilities. – DSA