MAKS-2009: Russian order for HAL for supply of Su-30MK components

Zhukovsky, Moscow Region: India's premiere state-owned aerospace and defence establishment, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), has announced that it will supply a larger number of components to Russia for its Sukhoi-30 series of multi-role combat jets intended for export to third countries. This is a clear indication of the increasing sophistication of HAL's manufacturing and delivery systems, for the Su-30MK is one of the most sophisticated combat flying platforms in operation with any air force in the world today.

The new agreement would see the Asian aerospace giant supplying airframe components for the Su-30MK multi-role jets to Russia, a top ranking HAL official said.

"We are already supplying navigation and communication equipment for installation on the Su-30MK series of fighters exported by Russia to other countries," V Balakrishnan, GM, HAL's Nasik based Aircraft Manufacturing Division, said on sidelines of the International Aerospace Show MAKS-2009.

According to HAL officials, India and Russia will very likely sign an inter-governmental agreement on the supply of these components by year-end. Russia has already supplied Su-30MK series fighters to Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam and has export orders from Algeria and Venezuela on hand.

HAL is currently involved in local production of the Su-30MKI, which is widely credited as being the most advanced version of the Su-30 series sold around the world, including China's MKK version.