Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to resume production of the Su-30MKI fighter aircraft at its Nashik facility, strengthening India’s indigenous combat aircraft manufacturing capabilities. The company is expected to manufacture and deliver 12 new Su-30MKI fighters to the Indian Air Force by 2029 under a contract signed with the Ministry of Defence.
The move comes as the Indian Air Force continues to maintain and modernise its Su-30MKI fleet, which remains one of its most important fighter aircraft platforms. The 12 additional aircraft are expected to help compensate for aircraft lost over the years and provide additional strength to the IAF’s operational fleet.
The contract, valued at around ₹11,000 crore, was signed in December 2024. A major feature of the programme is the requirement for more than 50% indigenous content, supporting the government’s objective of increasing domestic defence production and reducing dependence on imported components.
HAL’s Nashik division has significant experience with the Su-30MKI programme. The facility previously manufactured 222 Su-30MKIs under licence for the Indian Air Force and has continued to undertake overhaul and maintenance activities for the aircraft. The revival of production will therefore allow HAL to utilise an established manufacturing and supplier ecosystem for the new batch.
The first of the 12 aircraft is expected to be delivered during 2027-28, with the remaining aircraft scheduled to follow as production progresses toward completion in 2029. Restarting the production line will also preserve specialised expertise and infrastructure associated with the Su-30MKI platform.
The new aircraft production programme is taking place alongside plans for a major upgrade of the existing Su-30MKI fleet. The proposed modernisation programme, estimated at around ₹60,000 crore, is aimed at improving the aircraft’s combat capabilities through the introduction of advanced avionics, radar, electronic warfare systems and infrared search-and-track technology.
The planned upgrades are expected to involve Indian defence organisations and private-sector companies, further increasing the domestic contribution to the Su-30MKI ecosystem. An indigenous radar and improved electronic warfare capabilities are among the technologies being considered as part of the broader modernisation effort.
The combination of new aircraft production and upgrades to existing fighters is expected to keep the Su-30MKI relevant within the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet while India develops and inducts newer indigenous fighter platforms.
With the Nashik facility returning to Su-30MKI production, HAL is set to play a renewed role in strengthening India’s fighter aircraft inventory and expanding domestic capabilities in military aviation.