India to build 12 more Su-30MKI fighters worth $1.33bn under Make in India initiative

India has been building Su-30MKI fighters on its own for decades. The Ministry of Defence has ordered a dozen more aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

Here's What We Know

The Su-30MKI is the Indian version of the Russian Su-30MK aircraft. The prototype first took to the air in 1997. The fighter is equipped with an AL-31FP engine with a deflectable thrust vector and has a front horizontal plumage.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, India has been building its own aircraft. This happened after it signed a contract with Russia on the full transfer of production technologies at the end of 2000. During this time, more than 220 fighter jets have rolled off the assembly line. India received another 50 aircraft from russia as per the contract.

The Indian Ministry of Defence wants to buy 12 more fighter jets under the Make in India initiative. The essence of the project is that most of the components will be manufactured in the country.

The deal is estimated to be worth $1.33 billion, meaning that the cost per aircraft will average around $110 million. However, it should be noted that the contract also involves the purchase of equipment for ground services.

Source: India TV