Russia Proposes Advanced AL-41 Engine Upgrade for India's Sukhoi-30MKI Fleet

During Aero India 2025, Russia introduced a proposal to enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) fleet of Sukhoi-30MKIs by replacing their current AL-31 engines with the advanced AL-41 engines. This initiative aims to significantly boost the performance and operational capabilities of India's largest fighter jet fleet, which currently includes 272 Sukhoi-30MKIs.

The Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft is powered by the AL-31 engine, a reliable and efficient two-shaft turbofan that produces around 12,500 kgf of thrust in afterburner mode. While the AL-31 engine has proven its worth, it lags behind newer engine technologies in terms of sheer power and advanced features.

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The AL-41 engine, which powers the Sukhoi-57 stealth fighter, presents a notable advancement. It offers a better thrust-to-weight ratio, improved fuel efficiency, and superior maneuverability, making it an ideal fit for modern aerial combat. These improvements align well with the demands of high-performance air combat and advanced missions.

Features of the AL-41 Engine

The AL-41 is a fifth-generation engine, integrating cutting-edge aerodynamic designs and advanced materials, including titanium alloys that can withstand high stress. It also boasts an impressive turbine-inlet temperature and enables aircraft to cruise supersonically without the need for afterburners, providing a strategic advantage in long-range, high-speed operations.

The AL-41 engine comes in two primary variants: the AL-41F (Izdeliye 20) and the AL-41F-1S (article 117S). The former is a high-performance turbofan with a maximum thrust of 40,000 lbf (176 kN) and an outstanding thrust-to-weight ratio of 10.5 - 11:1. The latter, used in Su-35-type aircraft, is a modular engine with integrated digital control and thrust vectoring capabilities, offering enhanced maneuverability and control.

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Additionally, the AL-41F-1S has undergone refinements that improve airflow and compressor efficiency, along with an advanced turbine blade cooling system, further enhancing its performance over the AL-31 series.

One of the most notable features of the AL-41 engine is its increased thrust-to-weight ratio—about 19% higher than the AL-31. This translates to improved agility and faster response times in combat scenarios. Moreover, the AL-41 offers a 6.4% improvement in specific thrust and a 9% reduction in specific fuel consumption, providing more efficient operations over longer durations.

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Strategic Importance

Upgrading the IAF’s Sukhoi-30MKI fleet with the AL-41 engine represents a significant leap in India's air combat capabilities, especially in the context of increasingly complex regional security dynamics. With modernized engines, these aircraft would not only gain in speed and agility but also in overall mission effectiveness.

As part of India’s ongoing efforts to modernize its defense infrastructure, the introduction of the AL-41 engine would bring the Sukhoi-30MKI fleet closer to the performance standards of fifth-generation fighter jets, like the Sukhoi-57. This enhancement will allow India to maintain a technological edge over potential adversaries in an ever-evolving defense landscape.

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Vadim Badekha, CEO of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), affirmed the offer, noting, "We are offering the new AL-41 engine as part of the Sukhoi-30 upgrade to India" during Aero India 2025.

This proposal strengthens the defense collaboration between Russia and India while opening opportunities for joint ventures in manufacturing and engine installation, aligning with India’s push for greater indigenous production and reduced reliance on foreign suppliers.

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As discussions advance, the involvement of India’s defense industry in the production and integration of the AL-41 engines will be a key point, supporting New Delhi’s long-term objectives of enhancing local defense capabilities.