The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has contracted state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce 12 Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.
The 135-billion rupee ($1.5 billion) contract is an effort to make up for losses.
The sanctioned strength of the Su-30 fleet is 272 aircraft but only 259 are in service.
“The supply of these aircraft would enhance the operational capability of the Indian Air Force and strengthen defence preparedness of the country,” the MoD stated in a press release.
HAL will manufacture the Russian-origin aircraft at its Nashik division with over 62.6 percent indigenous content. The aircraft are license-produced in India.
India; AF orders 12 Locally-Built Su-30MKI Jets