August 19, 2009, (Sawf News) - HAL is currently testing an indigenously manufactured version of the Su-30MKI engine and aims to rollout the first MKI manufactured entirely in India from raw materials by 2010.
Speaking to newsmen at MAKS 2009, HAL Chairman V. Balakrishna said HAL mastered the manufacture of the wing and the tail, last year and plans to start producing the fuselage and raw materials this year.
Manufacture of the engine, the most challenging aspect of indigenization, will be undertaken in the final phase.
"We're currently testing the locally produced engine for the Su-30MKI and are planning to launch its production in 2010," he said.
The IAF has placed an order for 140 Su-30MKIs with HAL. By June 2009, HAL had assembled 42 MKIs.
HAL is progressively moving from assembly of the aircraft from CKD kits to manufacture from raw materials within the country.
HAL hopes to manufacture 60 Su-30MKI fighters in the full production cycle till 2015, says Mr. Balakrishnan.
India purchased 50 Su-30K aircraft from Sukhoi in Russia in 1996 and acquired a license to manufacture an additional 140 fighters at HAL.
In January 2009, India ordered an additional 40 Su-30MKIs from Russia.