Centre issues Rs 10,000 crore tender for acquisition of 12 Su-30 MKI fighter jets

New Delhi: In a step to improve the squadron strength of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Ministry of Defence issued a Rs 10,000 crore tender to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of 12 Sukohi-30 MKI fighter jets.

HAL is expected to respond to the tender by the end of December.

The decision of the central government came amid the depleting fighter strength of the Indian Air Force.

Notably, the new aircraft will fill in the void that has been created by the loss of 12 Su-30MKI fighters in accidents in the past 20 years.

The aircraft will be manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and will carry 60 per cent indigenous contents.

The aircraft will be the most modern Su-30MKIs in the Indian Air Force fleet of more than 260 such aircraft.

The IAF is also in the process of upgrading its Su-30MKI fleet with an upgrade programme of over Rs 30,000.

The IAF, with Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets, has developed a strong package of fighters that can carry out tactical as well as strategic missions as per requirements.

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