New Delhi: A proposal to overhaul 40 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets is expected to be a key focus of the Defence Acquisition Council meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has put forward the proposal, which requires approval from the DAC because of the scale of expenditure involved. HAL had previously proposed an overhaul of 20 Su-30MKIs, but the number under consideration has now increased to 40.
The Su-30MKI remains the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet, with nearly 260 aircraft in service. The fighters perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority operations and long range strikes, making their availability crucial to India’s operational preparedness.
Maintaining the ageing fleet has therefore become an important priority. Earlier this year, the DAC approved an overhaul programme for Su-30 engine aggregates as part of a broader defence acquisition package worth around Rs 2.38 lakh crore. The work is aimed at improving reliability and extending the operational life of the aircraft.
HAL plays a central role in the Su-30MKI programme, handling the production and maintenance of most of the aircraft operated by the IAF. In December 2024, the government approved an order worth around Rs 13,500 crore for 12 additional Su-30MKIs to be manufactured at HAL’s Nashik facility. The aircraft are intended to replace losses and strengthen the existing fleet.
The proposed overhaul comes as the IAF continues to face a shortage of operational fighter squadrons. Sustaining the existing Su-30 fleet is therefore seen as essential while longer term plans for modernisation and new fighter acquisitions progress.
Other Army and Navy proposals are also expected to be considered during Monday’s DAC meeting. The council has recently cleared several major capital acquisition proposals, including systems for air defence, counter drone operations, precision strikes and surveillance.
The approval being considered is an Acceptance of Necessity, which represents an early stage in India’s lengthy defence procurement process rather than a final contract. If approved, the detailed cost, scope and implementation schedule will be determined at subsequent stages.
The overhaul proposal is separate from the larger Su-30MKI modernisation programme, which aims to introduce advanced indigenous systems and upgraded capabilities. The immediate proposal is focused primarily on keeping the existing fleet operational, reliable and combat ready.
