DAC Set to Review HAL Proposal for Overhaul of 40 Su-30MKI Jets

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, is scheduled to meet on Monday with a significant proposal on its agenda: the overhaul of 40 Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets. The plan, put forward by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), requires the DAC's approval due to the substantial financial outlay involved.

This proposal marks an expansion of a previous initiative. HAL had earlier identified 20 Su-30MKIs for overhaul last year; the number under consideration has now doubled to 40. The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates nearly 260 of these aircraft, which form the backbone of its combat fleet, undertaking roles ranging from air superiority to long-range strike missions.

The move is part of a broader effort to manage an ageing and heavily utilised fleet. Earlier this year, the DAC cleared the overhaul of Su-30 aero-engine aggregates as part of a larger defence acquisition package. The Ministry of Defence had then noted that such work would extend the aircraft's service life and help the IAF meet its operational requirements.

HAL's involvement is central to the Su-30MKI programme, as it manufactures and maintains the majority of the fleet. In December 2024, the ministry approved an order for 12 additional Su-30MKIs from HAL's Nashik plant to replace lost aircraft and bolster the existing fleet. Monday's proposal follows the same logic of sustained investment to maintain combat readiness, particularly as the IAF faces a shortage of squadrons against its sanctioned strength.

The DAC is also expected to consider proposals from the Army and Navy. The council's role at this stage is to grant an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), which is the first formal checkpoint in the procurement process rather than a final contract. The specific cost, timeline, and scope of the overhaul will be detailed in a formal statement from the Ministry of Defence following the meeting.

This specific proposal is distinct from a separate, larger modernisation effort aimed at integrating more indigenous systems into the Su-30MKI. The item on Monday's agenda is focused on maintaining the current fleet's mechanical soundness and extending its operational life. If approved, HAL is expected to lead the execution of the overhaul.