New Delhi: HAL AL-31FP engine production is set to increase significantly as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) plans to manufacture 50 AL-31FP turbofan engines annually by 2030. The move aims to ensure the long-term combat readiness of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter fleet while strengthening India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
The expansion will also support future maintenance requirements of the Su-30MKI fleet, improve spare engine availability, and increase indigenous content in engine production.
Details of HAL AL-31FP Engine Production
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited currently manufactures around 30 AL-31FP engines every year. By 2030, the company plans to raise this number to 50 engines annually. This production increase follows the ₹26,000 crore contract signed by the Ministry of Defence in September 2024 for the procurement of 240 AL-31FP engines. The engines power the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighter aircraft.
Read also: HAL Crosses 1,000 AL-31FP Engine Overhauls, Enhancing Su-30MKI Combat Readiness
Why More Engines Are Needed
The Indian Air Force operates more than 259 Su-30MKI fighter jets, making them the backbone of India’s air combat capability. Many of these aircraft entered service during the mid-2010s. As their original engines approach scheduled overhaul and replacement, demand for new AL-31FP engines is expected to rise sharply over the next several years. Increasing production will help maintain fleet availability and reduce downtime during maintenance.
HAL Expands Koraput Manufacturing Facility
To meet future demand, HAL is expanding its Koraput Division in Odisha, where AL-31FP engines are manufactured from raw materials to final assembly. The company is also focusing on increasing domestic manufacturing.
| Production Metric | Current | Target by 2030 |
| Annual Production | 30 engines | 50 engines |
| Indigenous Content | Over 54% | Up to 63% |
HAL is working with Indian micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to increase the local content in engine production, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
HAL AL-31FP Engine Production: Key Role in Super Sukhoi Upgrade
The AL-31FP engine is known for its thrust-vectoring control (TVC) technology, which gives the Su-30MKI excellent manoeuvrability during air combat. The engine will continue to play an important role in the Indian Air Force’s planned “Super Sukhoi” upgrade programme, estimated to be worth around ₹65,000 crore. The modernization programme is expected to include:
- Indigenous Virupaksha AESA radar
- Advanced electronic warfare systems
- New mission computers
- Longer-range Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles
These upgrades aim to keep the Su-30MKI operational well into the 2040s and 2050s.
Read also: Super Sukhoi Upgrade: Everything To Know About India’s Su-30MKI Modernisation Programme
