HAL to Restart Su-30MKI Jet Manufacturing at Nashik Facility

In a major boost to India’s defense manufacturing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is gearing up to resume production of Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets at its Nashik facility.

This revival comes after a substantial $1.3 billion contract was approved in September 2023, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet and bolstering local production capabilities.

The order includes 12 new Su-30MKIs, helping to replenish recent IAF losses and enhance India’s self-reliance in defense.

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HAL plans to deliver these new jets within the next three years, with Russian support to assist in this endeavor, underscoring a long-standing strategic partnership between India and Russia. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent Moscow visit, both nations reiterated their commitment to co-manufacturing and technology transfer initiatives.

This collaborative effort aligns with India’s Make-in-India program, supporting domestic defense capabilities and paving the way for future exports to friendly countries.

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The Nashik facility has historically been integral to India’s defense industry, and the upcoming Su-30MKI production aligns with HAL’s broader vision of producing and upgrading critical defense assets.

Experts project that a full modernization of India’s Su-30MKI fleet will unfold over the next 8–10 years, helping to ensure that the IAF maintains cutting-edge capabilities well into the future.

Alongside the initial 12 jets, HAL has submitted a proposal to supply 72 additional Su-30MKIs, which would include an advanced “Super-30” upgrade package featuring enhanced avionics, radar, and combat capabilities.

Estimated at $5 billion, this ambitious expansion would raise the IAF’s Su-30MKI fleet to over 344 aircraft by 2029-30, potentially adding four new squadrons. These upgrades, would incorporate indigenous radar and weapons systems, boosting India’s operational readiness and defense independence.