New Delhi: HAL AL-31FP engine milestone: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has handed over the 1,000th repaired and overhauled (ROH) AL-31FP engine to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The engine was formally delivered on June 23, 2026 by HAL’s Koraput division. This is an important step for India’s fighter aircraft support system because the AL-31FP engine powers the Su-30MKI fleet, one of the IAF’s main combat aircraft.
Details of HAL AL-31FP Engine Handover Ceremony
According to HAL’s official update, the company handed over the 1000th ROH AL-31FP engine to the Indian Air Force on 23 June 2026. The engine was handed over by Shri S. A. Kothe, Executive Director, HAL Koraput, to Air Vice Marshal B. V. N. Shiva, VSM, ACAS (Eng A), Indian Air Force.
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This was not a new engine delivery. It was a repaired and overhauled engine, which means an existing engine was serviced, tested and restored for operational use. That work is vital because it helps the IAF keep aircraft flying without waiting only for brand-new engines.
What is the Importance of HAL AL-31FP Engine
The AL-31FP is the engine used in the Su-30MKI, the Indian Air Force’s heavy twin-engine fighter jet. The Su-30MKI is one of India’s most important combat aircraft and is used for:
- Air defence missions
- Long-range strike roles
- Air dominance operations
- Strategic deterrence and quick-response missions
AL-31FP Engine: Role of HAL
HAL’s Koraput divisions have a long history in aero-engine work. Official HAL information shows that:
- Engine Division Koraput has handled manufacturing and overhaul of several aero engines over the decades.
- Sukhoi Engine Division Koraput began manufacturing AL-31FP engines under licence in the mid-2000s for the Su-30MKI programme.
HAL also states that its Koraput engine ecosystem has built large experience in engine production, repair and overhaul work for military aviation. That makes it a critical support base for the Indian Air Force’s operational readiness.
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