The Indian Air Force will acquire 42 additional Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters from Russia at a cost of Rs201bn ($4.3bn) to increase the size of its combat fleet.

The current proposal, a repeat order for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, will soon be placed before the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for approval.

Defence Minister AK Antony said in Parliament that the new fighters would be delivered during 2014-2018.

India has already acquired 230 Russian Su-30 fighters, which can carry 8t of armament including nuclear bombs.

The IAF currently operates five Su-30 squadrons of around 100 fighters, three based in Pune and the remaining two in Bareilly.