HAL delivers first aero engine to IAF under new contract

Bengaluru: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the first of the 240 AL-31FP aero engines it is contracted to manufacture for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The contract for the 240 AL-31FP aero engines for Su-30MKI aircraft was signed on September 9, 2024. These aero engines are scheduled to be delivered in eight years. The first engine was handed over at Koraput in Odisha. The Sukhoi Engine Division in Koraput is created by HAL for manufacturing the engines of Su-30MKI aircraft.

Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), lauded HAL for delivering the first engine within two weeks of signing the contract and said this reflected HAL’s competency in manufacturing aero engines.

Kumar noted that the Koraput Division has mastered cutting-edge technologies involved in aero engine manufacturing and has established infrastructure that can match global OEMs.

DK Sunil, CMD, HAL, underlined the PSU’s efforts toward self-reliance in defence and said the Koraput Division would proactively procure material as well as work towards capacity enhancement to meet IAF's expectations.

“During this entire engine manufacturing process, we aim to engage Indian industries from the present level of work share of 40% to more than 50% in the next two to three years and help in employment generation,” he said.

Saket Chaturvedi, CEO (MiG Complex), handed over the first aero engine to Air Vice-Marshal K Harisankar of IAF.