December 26, 2012: On course for a while now, HAL signed a contract for 42 more license-built Su-30MKI air dominance fighters with the Ministry of Defence and Rosoboronexport in Delhi during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin. “HAL’s total responsibility for this supersonic multi-role aircraft has now gone up to 222. This will further boost our confidence and operations as we have already delivered 119 Su-30 aircraft to the Air Force. We will continue to contribute to the country’s defence preparedness,” said R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL.

The deal was inked by Dr Tyagi on behalf of HAL with the Ministry of Defence. S. Subramanyan, Managing Director of HAL’s MiG Complex signed the contract with A.A. Mikheev, Deputy General, Director of Rosobornexport. According to HAL, 157 vendors are involved in providing 13,350 components of the aircraft while another 19,450 components are manufactured at HAL’s Nasik and Koraput Divisions. The 42 additional Su-30MKIs will be more capable and advanced than the ones produced so far.