HAL delivers first BrahMos-integrated Su-30 to IAF

Bengaluru-based defence aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) on Thursday handed over the first BrahMos missile-integrated Su 30 to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at the Aero India 2015.

“The successful completion of the first Su-30 aircraft integrated with BrahMos missile shows the synergy between DRDO, HAL and IAF. We are hopeful of rolling out the second aircraft in a record time,” said T Suvarna Raju, chairman, HAL. The second integration could take about seven months compared to first one that took 11 months.

The flight clearance certificate was handed over by K Tamilmani, distinguished scientist and DG (aero), to Air Marshal S B P Sinha, Deputy Chief of Air Staff.

The Aircraft Acceptance Certificate was handed over by A M Raja Kannu, DG (AQA), to Air Marshal Sukhchain Singh.

“The Su-30 has become a very lethal weapon delivery platform with the successful integration of Brahmos supersonic cruise missile,” T Suvarna Raju said on the sidelines of the ceremony.

Raju also said HAL had last month handed over the first overhauled Su-30 MKI aircraft to IAF from its Nashik facility that was set up recently for an investment of over Rs 2,000 crore.

With this facility, HAL has developed capacities and capabilities to support Su-30 fleet for next 30-40 years, Raju said. This is only one-of-its-kind facility and has significant export prospects as nearly 10 countries operate the Su-30 fleet, he added.

Programme for the integration was taken up as an indigenous challenge by HAL’s Nashik division in 2010. “The team overcame several difficulties due to the limited design data of Su-30 Mk I and received approval in January, 2011 and order for integration was obtained from the BrahMos Aerospace (BAPL) on techno-commercial merits against OEM in January 2014,” an HAL statement said.

BrahMos missile is a two-stage supersonic cruise missile with a 290-km range developed for destruction of high value and strategic installation.

The missile has a mid-course inertial guidance aided by GPS followed by terminal homing guidance with ARS and multi-spectral seeker for terminal.