Defense-Technology News: DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Defence Ministry Announces Procurement Of Over 300 Su-30 MKI’s And ‘Tejas’ LCA To Strengthen The IAF

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Defence Ministry Announces Procurement Of Over 300 Su-30 MKI’s And ‘Tejas’ LCA To Strengthen The IAF

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Defense Now

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 9, 2011: The Indian Defence Minister A.K. Anthony has announced that in order to strengthen the combat capability of the Indian Air force (IAF), over 300 Sukhoi-MKI fighters and ‘Tejas’ Light Combat aircraft (LCA) will be procured. The total cost of procurement will amount to roughly $ 14.30 billion and the Su-30 MKI and ‘Tejas’ LCA are already being manufactured by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Defence Minister has indicated that the provisions in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) allow procurement and the subsequent manufacture of the fighter planes in India. Therefore, major aircraft procurement programme entail a mix of outright purchase from abroad and subsequent manufacture in India with increasing levels of indigenization. India promotes production of equipment, components and spares under transfer of technology from foreign suppliers through acquisitions categorized as "Buy & Make" and "Buy & Make (Indian)" under the DPP. Due to the sophisticated nature of the technology involved in design and manufacture of combat manufacture, the process has been gradual.

Elaborating on the procurement of the Sukhoi-30 MKI and ‘Tejas’ LCA, the Defence Minister stated that the total cost of procurement of the Su-30 MKI is over $ 12.38 billion while the cost of procurement of the ‘Tejas’ Light Combat Aircraft is about $ 1.93 billion. While HAL will be undertaking the manufacturing of the Su-30 MKI and ‘Tejas’, it will also be eventually be manufacturing the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) and Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) planned for further induction into the IAF.

Last year, when the additional 42 Su-30 MKI were ordered from Russia, HAL was asked to speed up delivery to take the additional load. The IAF already have inducted more than 110 Sukhois out of original 230 aircraft and the additional 42 would took the total strength to 272 fighters. The Sukhoi’s are built under license at HAL’s five Divisions ( Nasik, Koraput, Hyderabad, Lucknow and Korwa) and are later assembled, integrated, test-flown and delivered from Nasik. Sources in HAL said that the overall production rate of Su-30MKI during 2009-2010 was falling far behind expectations.

HAL has stated that it has recorded a substantial increase in the delivery of aircraft in the year 2010-2011. Compared to the previous year, HAL’s delivery numbers were 63 percent higher which was the result of improved manufacturing procedures, outsourcing and optimal deployment of human resources. HAL claims that there have been delays in Su-30 MKI production due to late receipt of drawings from Russia. As for the ‘Tejas’ LCA programme, there have been delays and additional costs due to the expanded scope of the programme and increased cost of materials.

• IAF to receive the first C-130 J aircraft next month...

• US Pitches for Attack Helos Deal with India...

• IAF to Receive Dedicated Communication Satellite, Highlight Network Ce...

• Boeing Tests Airframe for P-8A Poseidon for Navy, Backs out of Mid-Air...

• DRDO and French major snecma to finalize engine price for LCA...

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Defense Now

*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News