New Delhi. Included among the most important fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force. Su-30MKI Preparations are underway to further strengthen it. A meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) is to be held on Monday, September 7 under the chairmanship of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. about in this Overhaul and upgrade of 40 Su-30MKI fighters Proposal related to can be considered.
Su-30MKI plays an important role in the combat fleet of the Indian Air Force. In such a situation, this proposal is considered important to bring the old and long-used aircraft back to fully operational condition.
HAL prepared overhaul plan
The overhaul of these aircraft has been planned by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). However, maintaining and upgrading aircraft on such a large scale is likely to be costly. This is why it is important to put the proposal before the DAC.
Last year also, 20 Su-30MKI aircraft were marked for overhaul. Now the proposed number has increased to 40. Its objective is to keep more and more aircraft ready for flight for a longer period and maintain the operational capability of the Air Force.
Big responsibility rests on about 260 Sukhoi
close to Indian Air Force 260 Su-30MKI There are planes. These are counted among the most important combat assets of the Air Force. Deployed in different sectors, these fighter aircraft can be used in a variety of operations including air superiority missions as well as long-range strikes.
The availability of these aircraft is very important considering the security needs of India. This is why continuous emphasis is being laid on overhaul, upgrade and increasing the service life of old aircraft.
Engine overhaul has also been approved
The overhaul program associated with the Su-30MKI has been extended before. The DAC approved the overhaul of the Su-30's aero-engine aggregates in early 2026. According to the Defense Ministry, such work helps in increasing the service life of the aircraft and meeting the operational needs of the Air Force.
Now the proposal for overhaul and upgrade of 40 aircraft is being considered as part of this broader process.
HAL handles construction and maintenance
HAL's role in the Su-30MKI program is very important. Along with manufacturing these aircraft in the country, the company also does work related to their maintenance and upgrade.
Defense Ministry to build HAL's Nashik plant in 2024 Around Rs 13,500 crore for 12 additional Su-30MKI aircraft The order was approved. The purpose of these new aircraft was also to compensate for the shortage of fighter aircraft which were lost in various accidents in the previous years.
Not just Sukhoi, also Army-Navy proposals
The Su-30MKI proposal is not the only one expected to be discussed in the DAC meeting. The Indian Army and Navy can also place purchase proposals related to their requirements before the Council.
Earlier in July 2026, DAC had signed a contract for nearly 100 million such items related to air defense systems, counter-drone systems, precision-targeting weapons and surveillance equipment. Proposals worth Rs 52,000 crore Was approved. In such a situation, Monday's meeting is also being considered important in the direction of defense procurement and increasing military capability.
What will change if approved?
If the overhaul and upgrade proposal of 40 Su-30MKIs is approved by the DAC, then the related process will be taken forward and HAL may play a major role in it.
Its direct benefit will be that long-used aircraft can be brought back to better operational condition after extensive maintenance and necessary upgrades. This will help in strengthening the useful number of fighter aircraft available with the Indian Air Force and the state of readiness.
For India, Su-30MKI is already included in the fighter aircraft considered to be the backbone of the Air Force. In such a situation, continuously upgrading its fleet and keeping it ready for war remains an important part of the country's air power strategy.