HAL to expand AL-31FP engine output at Koraput plant

India's defence minister, Rajnath Singh, said Hindustan Aeronautics will raise Saturn AL-31FP engine output at its Koraput Division. An investment of INR3.4 billion lifts annual capacity to 50 engines from 30.

The engine powers the Indian air force's Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet. HAL holds a September 2024 order for 240 additional AL-31FP powerplants, and Singh said the company delivered 63 engines by the end of the contract's second year, against 60 originally planned.

He said the Koraput plant kept to its delivery plans despite supply chain and raw material challenges. In October 2024, HAL said the Indian industry workshare of the Russian-designed engine had reached 50%, while the original contract specified 54% local content.

Speaking at the Koraput Division, Singh saw the delivery of the unit's 2,000th aeroengine, an AL-31FP. He said a second line will be set up at the site to build HAL/Safran Shakti-1H1 turboshafts, with output of 100 engines a year and full establishment targeted for 2028-29. The Shakti powers two engines on indigenous types including the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter and the Prachand Light Combat helicopter.

New Delhi plans to upgrade about 84 Su-30MKIs, a type expected to stay in Indian air force service until the middle of the century.

Singh described aircraft engines as a key technology for self-reliance. He said an investment of INR50 billion has been proposed with domestic firm Mishra Dhatu Nigam, which could support local procurement of raw materials and the creation of India's first indigenous high-thrust engine testing facility.