MoD signs Rs 13,500 Crore Deal with HAL for 12 Sukhoi Su-30MKI Jets

In December 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth Rs 13,500 crore with Bengaluru(Karnataka) based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12 indigenous Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force(IAF).

• The contract aligns with the ongoing “Super Sukhoi“ project which aims to upgrade 84 Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft with advanced weapon systems, radars and avionics.
• This initiative aims at India’s broader modernization efforts to enhance the operational capability by giving the IAF, a long-range missile exceeding 1,500 kilometer (km) to safeguard national interests.

Note: Su-30MKI Jets, an Indian-specific variant of the Russian Su-30, was inducted into the IAF in 2002.

Key Points:

i.The newly procured Sukhoi Su-30MKIs will feature 62.6% indigenous content with key components sourced from the Indian defence industry.

ii.These two-seater, long-range multi-role fighter jets will be manufactured at HAL’s Nasik division contributing to the country’s self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.

Key features :

• Next-generation Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for superior tracking.
• Advanced avionics and digital cockpit for better mission integration.
• Enhanced weaponry (BrahMos, Astra, precision-guided munitions).
• Upgraded AL-31FP engines for improved performance.
• Advanced data link systems for real time coordination.

CCS approves deal for additional 100 K9 Vajra Howitzers

In December 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the acquisition of 100 additional K9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers to enhance India’s defence capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The estimated cost of the 100 artillery guns is Rs 7000 crore.

• The project launched under the MoD aims to strengthen India’s military operational readiness in strategic border areas.
• This will be the third such contract to Larsen & Toubro Limited(L&T) as the first contract of 100 artillery guns has already been delivered by 2021 and the second contract of 100 guns received in 2023.

Key Points:

i.The K9 Vajra artillery guns are being built by L&T’s Hazira plant(Gujarat) in partnership with a South Korea based Hanwha Aerospace Company Limited.

ii.The range of these artillery guns is over 40 km and they can launch projectiles at a speed of around 65 kilometres per hour(km/h).

• The artillery guns should be operated by 5 personnel and can carry upto 49 rounds onboard.

ii.These upgraded 155 millimeter(mm) artillery systems are designed for high-altitude operations in regions like Ladakh.

iii.These guns will join the existing fleet of 100 Vajras. These upgrades include advanced fire-control systems and specially designed lubricants and batteries for sub-zero temperatures.

Note: It was initially deployed in the Rajasthan desert.

Recent Related News:

In November 2024, Mumbai(Maharashtra) based JSW Defence Private Limited, a subsidiary of JSW Group has partnered with the United States of America (USA) based defence company Shield AI to manufacture VBAT drones, a Group 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) in India.

About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL):
Chairman and Managing Director(CMD) – Dr. D. K. Sunil
Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established – 1940