Aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has reportedly offered to manufacture 40 additional Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The multi-role aircraft will be built at a price of Rs4.25bn ($62.52m), which is reported to be about one-third of the cost of the Rafale fighter jet, reported Business Standard.
HAL chairman T Suvarna Raju was quoted by Business Standard as saying: “We will offer a very competitive price.
Raju added: “Since 2010, we have been delivering the Su-30 at Rs4.25bn. We can deliver another three squadrons at that same price.”
“HAL has already absorbed the technology for building and supporting the Su-30s. Now, the aim is to build those three new squadrons as quickly, and as cheaply, as possible.”
The company is currently building Su-30 fighter jets at its aircraft division Nashik in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
The HAL’s Nasik facility carries out manufacturing works, as well as repair and overhauling activities of Su-30 MKI.
Developed by Russia’s Sukhoi, the Su-30 MKI multi-role combat fighter aircraft may be integrated with the air-launched version of BrahMos medium-range supersonic cruise missiles.
Raju further stated: “We are required to modify 40-odd Su-30s to carry the BrahMos air-launched cruise missile (ALCM).
“Instead of upgrading older fighters with a shorter residual lifespan, it would be better to build three more squadrons of Sukhois with the capability to carry BrahMos missiles.”
