logo
#

Latest news with #Sukhoi-30s

NE's 1st Emergency Landing Facility at Moran to be ready by Oct: CM
NE's 1st Emergency Landing Facility at Moran to be ready by Oct: CM

Time of India

time3 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Time of India

NE's 1st Emergency Landing Facility at Moran to be ready by Oct: CM

1 2 3 4 Dibrugarh: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday inspected northeast's first Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), currently under construction on NH-127 at Moran in Dibrugarh district. The 4.2 km-long facility, being built at Rs 99.86 crore on a four-lane highway stretch, is set to be fully operational by Oct after final technical clearances. During his visit, the CM was briefed by officials from the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and the IAF, who informed him that the project has achieved 99% completion and will be ready by Jul 31. The ELF is designed to serve both military and civilian purposes. During emergencies, civilian aircraft can utilise the facility. Additionally, it will support fighter jets like Sukhoi-30s, Rafales, and Tejas, as well as transport aircraft such as Hercules and Antonov AN-32. During emergencies, the designated highway stretch will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic and converted into an airstrip. "The ELF will be a game-changer during emergencies. Not only will military aircraft benefit, but civilian flights in distress can also land here. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 새로 나온 '암보험' 최적가 비교추천! "개인별 맞춤설계+할인혜택"… 굿리치 보험대리점 (등록번호:제2006038313호) 가격 받기 Undo If any civilian aircraft faces a problem while landing at Dibrugarh Airport, it can land on the ELF," the CM said. He also announced plans for a commemorative air show during the facility's activation ceremony. "An air show will be organised during the activation of the ELF. I believe that the ELF will be ready for activation from Oct," Sarma stated, though he refrained from providing a specific date. The CM said the ELF would also enhance disaster response capabilities, particularly during Assam's frequent floods. The CM announced that two additional ELFs will be constructed in Assam — one between Barama and Tihu and another in Sankardev Nagar (Hojai) between Nagaon and Lumding. The chief minister also disclosed plans for an extensive network of helipads along the Numaligarh-Dibrugarh-Tinsukia four-lane highway corridor. These helipads will be strategically positioned at intervals of 50 to 100 km, creating a comprehensive aerial support network for emergency response operations. "These helipads will be crucial during floods, enabling swift evacuation and relief operations," Sarma said, adding that discussions with the central govt were underway.

How India's 1996 Sukhoi Deal With Russia Became A Long-Term Liability
How India's 1996 Sukhoi Deal With Russia Became A Long-Term Liability

News18

time01-05-2025

  • Business
  • News18

How India's 1996 Sukhoi Deal With Russia Became A Long-Term Liability

Last Updated: India operates 272 Sukhoi-30 jets but remains reliant on Russia for every requirement. Russia is embroiled in its own conflict with Ukraine, raising concerns about future support The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with Islamabad reportedly preparing for a potential retaliatory strike from New Delhi. Against this backdrop, News18 takes a closer look at a key pillar of India's air power—the Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, which form the backbone of the Indian Air Force. India acquired the Sukhoi-30 fighter jets from Russia under a 1996 agreement signed during Prime Minister Narasimha Rao's tenure, valued at around Rs 55,000 crore. These jets were brought in to replace the ageing MiG-21 and MiG-27 fleets. Of the 272 Sukhoi-30s currently in service, 50 were directly imported from Russia, while the rest were manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a technology transfer agreement. These aircraft have been customised to meet Indian requirements, featuring indigenous systems alongside advanced avionics developed in France and Israel. Powered by thrust-vectoring AL-31FP engines, the Sukhoi-30 boasts a range of 1,500 km. Armed with BrahMos missiles, it is considered one of the most powerful fighter jets in the world. As a result, Indian-manufactured Sukhoi-30s are attracting growing international interest. However, the deal with Russia came with certain limitations. India signed the agreement with Russia's Design Bureau and Irkut Corporation, with HAL assembling 222 aircraft at its Nasik facility. While Russia supplied assembly licences and technical documents, it withheld complete technology for key components such as the engine, radar, and airframe. As a result, HAL's role was largely limited to assembling pre-fabricated parts, preventing India from independently manufacturing the aircraft. Even minor modifications require Russia's approval, a dependency that became evident when the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted the supply of spare parts. Despite these challenges, the Sukhoi-30 remains the backbone of the Indian Air Force. India has drawn valuable lessons from the limitations of the Sukhoi-30 deal. Despite domestic production, the country lacks the autonomy to make modifications or export the jets. HAL's efforts to integrate BrahMos-NG and Astra missiles have been delayed due to limited design expertise. Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, it remains uncertain how much support Russia will provide in maintaining the combat readiness of the Sukhoi-30 fleet. India operates 272 Sukhoi-30 jets, but for every requirement, it still relies on Russia, which is currently entangled in its own conflict. Russia's level of assistance during this critical period will be closely monitored. First Published: May 01, 2025, 18:21 IST

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store