HAL Achieves Major Milestone, Hands Over 1,000th Overhauled AL-31FP Engine to Indian Air Force
Landmark achievement by HAL's Koraput Division strengthens indigenous MRO capabilities, enhances Su-30MKI fleet readiness and reinforces India's defence self-reliance
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved a significant milestone in strengthening India’s defence preparedness by handing over the 1,000th Repaired and Overhauled (ROH) AL-31FP aero engine to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The landmark delivery was made by HAL’s Koraput Division on June 23, 2026, reaffirming the company’s growing expertise in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of advanced military aero engines.
The AL-31FP engine powers the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, the backbone of the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet. The successful overhaul and delivery of the 1,000th engine underscores HAL’s capability to provide lifecycle support for one of India’s most critical combat aircraft platforms.
The achievement is expected to significantly enhance the operational availability of the Su-30MKI fleet while reducing turnaround time for engine overhauls. By carrying out these complex maintenance activities within the country, HAL has also reduced dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), contributing to India’s defence self-reliance.
HAL’s Koraput Division has emerged as a key centre for manufacturing, repair and overhaul of aero engines, playing a vital role in sustaining the combat readiness of the Indian Air Force over the years.
The milestone comes at a time when HAL is also executing a landmark contract worth approximately ₹26,000 crore for the manufacture of 240 AL-31FP engines for the Indian Air Force. The contract, signed with the Ministry of Defence in September 2024, is expected to substantially increase indigenous content in engine production while strengthening India’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
The combination of indigenous manufacturing and overhaul capabilities is expected to provide long-term logistical support to the Su-30MKI fleet, ensuring higher mission availability and improved operational efficiency.
The successful completion of 1,000 engine overhauls also reflects HAL’s continuous investment in advanced repair technologies, skilled manpower and infrastructure, reinforcing its position as India’s premier aerospace and defence company.
As India continues to pursue the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence manufacturing, milestones such as this demonstrate the country’s growing capability to design, manufacture and sustain complex military platforms domestically.
With the Indian Air Force relying heavily on the Su-30MKI as its frontline air dominance fighter, HAL’s achievement represents another important step towards strengthening India’s indigenous defence industrial base and ensuring long-term operational readiness of its air combat fleet.
