It has come to light that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered at least 18 Su-30MKI fighters to the Indian Air Force that are fitted with second-hand engines.
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By Alan Wilson from Stilton, Peterborough, Cambs, UK (Sukhoi Su-30MKI-3 ‘SB 138’) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
“It was noticed while checking the records…that AL 31FP engines fitted in certain aircraft was in Cat B condition at the time of inspection / delivery to Indian Air Force (IAF),” according to a report that was seen by Deccan Chronicle.
Each Su-30MKI is powered by a pair of AL-31FP turbofan engines. The report mention that some of the aircraft were installed with new and old engines.
If the Engines came from Russia, the Russians could be running short on engines of that type. Russia is dependent on buying some of their turbofans from Ukraine (Um…) and they have to maintain a heightened readiness in Europe, while running an air campaign in Syria, too. Throw in the need for engines from clients like India, and that can mean a restricted supply on hand.