HAL delivers first refurbished Su-30MKI

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed the first overhauled Su-30MKI (SB 027) aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) through the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at a ceremony held at HAL Nashik recently. Su-30MKI is currently the backbone of fighter fleet with IAF. Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister lauded the efforts made by HAL in absorbing technology and described the Nashik employees as “excellent and motivated workforce”.

He said India would continue to need fighter planes such as Su-30s due to not so friendly neighbourhood. He urged the employees to keep up the good work towards increasing the production capacity. “We are one family and let us work together.”

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, said the IAF would continue to depend on HAL heavily in future too. “We both are interdependent”, he added.

Dr R.K. Tyagi, Chairman of HAL, said the second aircraft is ready for delivery. “HAL will also act as a single window OEM for supporting Su-30MKI fleet. We are confident of improving the serviceability and ramp up capacity”, he added. He pointed out that five participating divisions Nasik, Koraput, Lucknow, Korwa and Hyderabad—of MiG and accessories complexes of HAL are involved in the mega programme.

The Su-30 overhaul facility at HAL Nashik is only of its kind in the world and has export prospect since nearly 10 countries have Su-30 fleet.

After repair and overhaul (ROH), the first Su30MKI aircraft SB 027 is ready for the service of the nation and as a result of the establishment of ROH facilities, the serviceability levels of Su-30MKI fleet will enhance greatly resulting in strengthening of the Indian air defence capabilities.