Listen to this article:

Chandigarh: The Indian Air Force (IAF)’s recent accident involving a Sukhoi Su-30MKI multi-role fighter in Assam, in which both pilots died, has revived long-standing concerns over the reliability and operational readiness of the service’s premier combat aircraft.

The March 5 incident also recalls a period a decade earlier, when multiple engine-related problems in the twin-engine Su-30MKI fleet had forced the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to publicly acknowledge persistent technical shortcomings in what is widely regarded as the backbone of the IAF’s combat aviation inventory.

Since this fighter type was inducted into IAF service in 1997, the force has lost around 13-14 Su-30MKIs in accidents, resulting in five pilot fatalities, including the two who died in the latest crash. The IAF has ordered an inquiry into the latter incident, though official sources said it could take considerable time to conclude and that its findings are almost certain to remain classified.

In this context, it is pertinent to recall that in March 2015, then-defence minister Manohar Parrikar had informed parliament that the IAF’s Su-30MKIs were grappling with frequent engine failures and poor operational serviceability. His statement followed several minor and major accidents involving the Russian-origin fighter which then was being licence-built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Nashik facility.

Parrikar revealed that between January 2013 and December 2014, the IAF had recorded technical problems in 35 NPO Saturn AL-31FP engines that power the Su-30MKI, which too were being licence-built by HAL at Koraput in Odisha. The late defence minister also elaborated on failures that were attributed largely to faulty engine bearings and low lubricating-oil pressure.

He stated that metal fatigue in the power pack’s bearings – designed to reduce friction between moving parts – caused them to chip or fragment under operational stress. These microscopic metallic........

© The Wire