HAL building more Su-30 MKI fighters

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NEW DELHI, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. is building 42 more Russian Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft for the Indian military.

The deal between HAL, the Ministry of Defense and Russia's Rosoboronexport was signed just ahead of a visit to India by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"HAL's total responsibility for this supersonic multirole aircraft has now gone up to 222," said HAL Chairman R. K. Tyagi. "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 defense preparedness."

The twin-seat Su-30 MKI has a maximum speed of 1,320 miles per hour at altitude (839 mph near ground level) and a service ceiling of more than 58,000 feet. It is a variant of the Sukhoi Su-30 and was specifically developed for India.

HAL said 157 Indian vendors are involved in providing 13,350 components of the aircraft and that HAL divisions produce another 19,450 components for the plane.

"The Su-30 MKI project provides solid platform to indigenous manufacturing and technical competence creating hundreds of direct and indirect jobs," the company said. "HAL's hand-holding with private entrepreneurs has also ensured creation of strong infrastructure and quality avionics products."