HAL Seeks Approval for Major Overhaul of 40 Sukhoi-30MKI Fighter Jets

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has moved forward with plans to undertake an extensive overhaul of 40 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, with the proposal now under review by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), India's apex defence procurement body.

The overhaul initiative, which encompasses scheduled maintenance and servicing of the Indian Air Force's fleet of these advanced multi-role combat aircraft, has been submitted by HAL for formal approval. Given the substantial budgetary requirements associated with the project, the proposal requires DAC clearance before proceeding to implementation.

The Sukhoi-30MKI, a variant of Russia's Su-30 fighter jet customised for Indian operational requirements, forms a critical component of the Indian Air Force's combat capability. Regular maintenance and periodic overhauls are essential to sustain the serviceability and operational readiness of the fleet.

HAL, India's premier aerospace and defence manufacturer, has responsibility for maintaining and supporting a significant portion of the Indian Air Force's aircraft inventory. The approval of this overhaul plan would enable the company to conduct necessary servicing operations while potentially generating revenue through the maintenance contract.

The Defence Acquisition Council, comprising senior defence and government officials, evaluates proposals involving substantial defence expenditure and strategic acquisitions. The body's clearance is mandatory before such projects can proceed to budgetary allocation and execution phases.