The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday signed a ₹13,500 crore deal with Navratna PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 12 Russian-origin Su-30MKI fighter jets to fill the Indian Air Force fleet strength deficiency.

“These aircraft will feature 62.6% domestic content, with key components to be manufactured by Indian #defenceindustry. This marks another milestone in India’s journey towards #selfreliance, boosting the capabilities of our #armedforces,” the Ministry of Defence posted on X.

The HAL is set to upgrade its Nashik plant to manufacture 12 Su-30MKIs, which will fill the void in the IAF’s fleet created by the loss of 12 Su-30MKIs in accidents in the last two decades.

These aircraft will have upgraded avionics, electronic warfare suites, and weapon systems to match the other set of 240 fighters, which are also being overhauled to extend their operational lives by another 20 years. The old fleet will also be fitted with new 240 AL-31FP Aero Engines.