In order to strengthen India’s defense capabilities, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced the reopening of its Nashik facility.
The plant, initially set up for manufacturing the Su-30MKI fighter jets, will resume operations to fulfill a significant production order worth USD 1.3 billion.
The order, sanctioned in September 2023, calls for the production of 12 new Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft.
The revival of the Nashik plant is likely to provide a crucial boost to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operational readiness and align with India’s broader defense strategy to become more self-reliant, particularly under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
In addition to the new order, the IAF is preparing to modernize 84 existing Su-30MKI aircraft under the ‘Super Sukhoi’ program, designed to substantially enhance the aircraft’s combat capabilities.
The Defence Acquisition Council has already approved this extensive upgrade, which is now awaiting final clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security. The upgrade is estimated to cost around Rs 63,000 crore.
Super Sukhoi Initiative To Enhance Su-30MKI Fleet With Advanced Features
The upgrades under the ‘Super Sukhoi’ initiative will introduce state-of-the-art features to the Su-30MKI fleet. These include:
- Advanced radar systems with significantly extended ranges,
- Infrared search and track (IRST) sensors developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), and
- New mission computers
The program also includes:
- Modernized electronic warfare suites,
- An upgraded cockpit, and
- The integration of cutting-edge weapon systems to ensure superior performance in high-threat environments
Further enhancing the jet’s capabilities, the ‘Super Sukhoi’ will incorporate manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technology, enabling seamless coordination between manned aircraft and drones for surveillance and combat operations.
The upgrade program will implemented in phases over the next 8 to 10 years, with the first phase likely to begin soon after the final approval from the government.
The upgrades will keep the Su-30MKI fleet at the forefront of air combat technology, positioning them in the class of fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
As part of this effort, HAL will begin delivering the new Su-30MKIs from its revived Nashik facility within the next few years, ensuring a faster replenishment of the IAF’s combat fleet.
The reopening of the Nashik plant, along with the comprehensive Su-30MKI upgrades, marks a major milestone for India’s defense industry.
It not only strengthens the IAF’s operational capabilities but also enhances HAL’s role as a leader in defense manufacturing and technological innovation.
The revival of the Nashik facility will likely foster local industry, stimulate research and development, and create employment opportunities in India’s defense sector.
This strategic push will solidify India’s position as a key player in regional defense while promoting greater indigenous capabilities in military technology.
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