Article Posted on : - Aug 19, 2010

A file photo of SU-30 MKI.

NEW DELHI (BNS): Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has proposed Rs. 10920 crores modernisation plan for the SU-30 MKI aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

“There is proposal to upgrade the SU-30 MKI aircraft of the Indian Air Force by M/s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with the support of the Russian Original Equipment Manufacturer.” Defence Minister AK Antony said in Rajya sabha.

The current estimated cost is Rs. 10920 crores and the aircraft are likely to be upgraded in a phased manner from year 2012 onwards, he added.

Currently, IAF operates about 100 SU-30 MKI fighters and plans to produce another 170 aircraft in the next 10 years under a license from Russia.

IAF is already upgrading its two main fighter aircraft fleet of 60 MiG-29s and is about to sign around USD two billion deal with France to modernise its 50 Mirage aircraft.

The Jaguar, MiG-27 and MiG-21 fleets have already been upgraded by the force.