New Delhi: The Central Government on Friday granted approval for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI fighters for the Indian Air Force. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the nation’s defence capabilities.
The Su-30MKI fighters will be manufactured domestically by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with an impressive 60% indigenous content, marking a substantial step towards self-reliance in defence production, as highlighted in an official press note.
These state-of-the-art aircraft will join the Indian Air Force’s extensive fleet of more than 260 Su-30MKIs, positioning themselves as the most modern additions to date. This acquisition is pivotal in filling the void left by the loss of 12 Su-30MKI fighters due to accidents in recent years.
The Su-30MKI, renowned as a multi-role air dominance fighter, boasts the capacity to carry a diverse array of weapons, including the Astra Mk-1 long-range air-to-air missile, the Brahmos Air Launched missile, and various bombs. As a 4.5-generation aircraft, it excels at executing complex manoeuvres at both high and low speeds, showcasing its versatility.
These fighters come equipped with the capability of air-to-air refuelling, enabling them to undertake long-range patrol missions and other endurance tasks.
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