HAL handed the first overhauled Su-30 MKI (SB 027) aircraft to the India Air Force through the Defence Minister, Mr. Manohar Parrikar at a ceremony held at HAL Nashik today. Su-30MKI is currently the backbone of fighter fleet with IAF. Speaking on the occasion, the Defence Minister lauded the efforts made by HAL in absorbing technology and described the Nashik employees as “excellent and motivated workforce”. He said India would continue to need fighter planes such as Su-30s due to not so friendly neighbourhood. He urged the employees to keep-up the good work towards increasing the production capacity. “We are one family and let us work together”, he said.

The Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chief of the Air Staff said the Indian Air Force would continue to depend on HAL heavily in future too. “We both are inter-dependent”, he added.

Dr. R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL said the second aircraft is ready for delivery. “HAL will also act as a single window OEM for supporting Su-30MKI fleet. We are confident of improving the serviceability and ramp up capacity”, he added. He pointed out that five participating divisions (Nasik, Koraput, Lucknow, Korwa, and Hyderabad) of MiG and Accessories complexes of HAL are involved in the mega program.

The Su-30 overhaul facility at HAL Nashik is only of its kind in the world and has export prospect since nearly 10 countries have Su-30 fleet.

The Defence Minister handed over acceptance certificates of the first overhauled Su-30 MkI, SB 027 and 150th Su-30 MkI (SB 190, manufactured by HAL) to the CAS.

Mr. S. Subrahmayan, Managing Director of MiG Complex welcomed the gathering. Mr. K.K. Pant, Joint Secretary (Aero), Mr. Harishchandra Chavan, (M.P.), Hemant Godse (M.P.), Mr. Anil Kadam (MLA, Niphad) and large number of HAL employees were present the occasion.

Ten new shops and existing facilities like pipeline overhaul, plating/process and shops of Aircraft Manufacturing Divisions are extensively used during the overhaul (ROH). Tentative Repair Technical Documents (RTD) were received from Russia. During the overhaul process, the technologies have been finalised with the help of Russian and HAL experts. There are 2478 number of tasks/technology process to execute the complete overhaul of aircraft. Online system for tracking/monitoring of parts are also established.

After overhaul (ROH), the first Su-30MKI aircraft - SB 027 is ready for the service of the nation and as a result of the establishment of ROH facilities, the serviceability levels of Su-30 MKI fleet will enhance greatly resulting in strengthening of the Indian Air Defence capabilities.