Russia offers Sukhoi-57 engine for India’s Sukhoi-30MKI upgrade
In a significant development, Russia has offered India the engine that powers its latest stealth fighter jet, the Sukhoi-57, for the upgrade programme of the existing Sukhoi-30MKI fleet.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates 272 Sukhoi-30MKI jets — the largest fleet of any aircraft type — and is in negotiations with Russia for a comprehensive upgrade.
On Tuesday, Vadim Badekha, Chief Executive Officer of Russian aircraft manufacturer United Aircraft Corporation, said the Sukhoi-57 is powered by the AL-41 engine. “We are offering the new engine as part of the Sukhoi-30 upgrade to India,” Badekha stated while speaking to mediapersons at Aero India.
Currently, the Sukhoi-30MKI is powered by the AL-31 engine, which is less powerful than the AL-41 used in the Sukhoi-57 stealth jet. Russia’s proposal includes replacing the existing engines with the more advanced AL-41.
DK Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) — the company that licence-produces the Sukhoi-30MKI in India — said today, “The work-share contract for the Sukhoi upgrade is expected to be signed in the coming months.”
Sources told The Tribune that India is still evaluating its options regarding the new engine. However, the performance of the Sukhoi-57, which flies with the AL-41, has not gone unnoticed.
The Sukhoi-30MKI upgrade will include integrating Indian-made avionics, radar and mission computers. The DRDO-developed Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar will enhance detection and tracking capabilities. Additionally, the aircraft will receive a fully digital glass cockpit featuring large touchscreens to improve pilot situational awareness. A new mission computer will also be installed to handle the increased processing power required by the upgraded avionics.
India aims to incorporate 78 per cent indigenous components in the upgraded aircraft, boosting local manufacturing and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.
The CEO of the Russian United Aircraft Corporation said Russia was open to offer any help to India to produce the fifth generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
