The Indian council for defense purchases approved acquisition of an additional set of Russian fighters Su-30MKI for the country’s Air Force, Defense Minister Arakkaparambil Kurian Antony is quoted by ITAR-TASS news agency as saying.

The Indian Air Force now has slightly more than three wings of Su-30MKIs, purchased in Russia. The national state-owned aircraft corporation HAL has launched licensed production of these fighters. An agreement provides for the output by the enterprise of 140 such planes.

However, the Air Force command recently raised the question before the Indian government on the need to speed up re-equipment of the fighters’ fleet to maintain defenses at a level, needed by the interests of ensuring national security. Taking into account these requirements, it is planned to purchase additionally 40 Russian-made Su-30MKIs.

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