According to The Diplomat, India is nearing a pivotal moment in the global defense market as it enters discussions with Russia about co-producing Su-30 fighter jets for export. This collaboration could significantly alter the export profiles of both nations. India’s motivation lies in strengthening its domestic defense industry, while Russia seeks to circumvent Western economic sanctions, particularly those imposed by the U.S. under CAATSA legislation.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace company, has been assembling Su-30MKI fighters for the Indian Air Force (IAF) for over two decades. With Indian government support, these talks aim to produce exportable variants of the Su-30 in India. The Su-30MKI, a cornerstone of the IAF since 1998, features advanced technologies such as thrust vectoring engines and electronically scanned array radar.
The Su-30MKI is a multirole fighter developed jointly by Sukhoi Design Bureau and HAL for the IAF. It is equipped with thrust vector control and canards, enhancing its maneuverability. The aircraft first flew in November 2000 and entered service in September 2002. The IAF has ordered 272 of these aircraft, making them the backbone of its fighter fleet.