Govt, HAL sign ₹13.5K-cr deal for 12 Su-30 jets

THE IAF OPERATES A FLEET OF 260 SU-30S, AND THE 12 FIGHTERS HAVE BEEN CONTRACTED TO MAKE UP FOR PLANES LOST IN ACCIDENTS

- Rahul Singh

The defence ministry on Thursday inked a ₹13,500-crore contract with Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 12 Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft along with associated equipment for the Indian Air Force, in a push for the country's self-reliance drive, the ministry said.

The IAF operates a fleet of 260 Su-30s, and the 12 additional fighters have been contracted to make up for planes lost in accidents. A ₹7,000-crore deal for 100 more self-propelled K9 Vajra-T guns manufactured by Larsen & Toubro with technology transfer from South Korean firm Hanwha Techwin has also been cleared, HT has learnt. "The Su-30 aircraft will have an indigenous content of 62.6%, enhanced due to indigenisation of many components to be manufactured by the local defence industry," defence ministry said.

The 12 aircraft will be manufactured at HAL's Nashik division.