September 10th 2024.
The city of Bhubaneswar was buzzing with excitement as the news broke that the Koraput division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had secured a massive deal with the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The deal, worth a whopping Rs 26,000 crores, was for the manufacture of 240 aero-engines for the Su-30MKI aircraft. This significant move was a major boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative and would have a positive impact on the country's defence manufacturing ecosystem.
The aero-engines were specifically designed to meet the Indian Air Force's (IAF) need for sustaining the operational capability of the Su-30 fleet. The MoD, along with senior officials from HAL, sealed the deal in the presence of Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Monday. As per the contractual delivery schedule, HAL would supply 30 aero-engines every year, and the entire order of 240 engines would be completed over the next eight years.
In line with the government's vision of promoting indigenous production, HAL planned to involve MSMEs, public and private industries during the manufacturing process. This would not only boost the country's defence manufacturing capabilities but also enhance the indigenisation content of the aero-engines up to 63 percent, surpassing the current average of 54 percent. Moreover, the increased indigenous content would also have a positive impact on the repair and overhaul tasks of the aero-engines.
This deal came at a crucial time, as there were concerns over the depleting fleet of the IAF's fighter squadrons and delays in the supply of Tejas jets by HAL. The IAF's fighter squadron strength had dwindled to around 30, against the authorised strength of at least 42. With the addition of 240 aero-engines, the operational readiness of the Su-30 fleet would be greatly improved, providing a much-needed boost to the country's defence capabilities.
In conclusion, the agreement between MoD and HAL for the manufacture of 240 aero-engines was a significant step towards achieving self-reliance in the defence sector. This deal not only showcased the country's prowess in the field of defence manufacturing but also highlighted the government's commitment to promoting 'Make in India' products. With this partnership, HAL and the IAF could look forward to a brighter and more secure future for the country.
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