New Delhi, May 19 (H.S.): Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) has set a delivery timeline for a new batch of 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft being procured for the Indian Air Force. The first jet under the new contract will be delivered during the financial year 2027–28, while the remaining 11 aircraft are scheduled to be inducted into the fleet in FY 2028–29.

Once delivered, these aircraft are expected to significantly enhance the combat capability of the Indian Air Force and help address fleet shortages caused in recent decades due to wear and tear and accidents.

During the financial review for the fourth quarter of FY26, HAL officials confirmed the delivery schedule for the 12 Su-30MKI fighter jets ordered for the Indian Air Force. The Ministry of Defence had signed a contract with HAL on December 12, 2024, for the procurement of these twin-engine multirole platforms. The deal is valued at approximately ₹13,500 crore.

The aircraft will be manufactured at HAL’s Nashik division, with 62.6 per cent indigenous content. Officials stated that preliminary production stages and supply chain adjustments have already begun, and HAL is actively aligning its assembly timelines to ensure smooth delivery of the final batch of Su-30MKI aircraft for India’s armed forces.

The Su-30MKI remains the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet, being the most numerous aircraft in its inventory. The platform is capable of executing a wide range of combat missions, including air superiority operations, long-range strike missions, maritime patrol, and precision ground attacks.

The induction of these additional 12 jets is expected to maintain required squadron strength, improve fleet uniformity, and enhance overall operational readiness.

Notably, the new batch is expected to have more than 60 per cent indigenous content. The aircraft will be equipped with advanced avionics and will be fully capable of deploying indigenous weapon systems such as the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar