Russia has suggested supplying the Sukhoi-30MKI fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with the cutting-edge AL-41 engine, which powers the Sukhoi-57 stealth fighter. The goal of this proposal, which was presented at Aero India 2025, is to greatly improve the capabilities and performance of the IAF’s largest fighter jet fleet, which now comprises of 272 Sukhoi-30MKIs.
The Su-30MKI is powered by the current AL-31 engine, a two-shaft turbofan with a reputation for dependability and efficiency. It has been a mainstay of several Sukhoi aircraft, including the Su-30MKI1, and can produce a maximum thrust of about 12,500 kgf in afterburner mode. The AL-31 is thought to be less powerful than more recent engine innovations, despite its effectiveness.
With a greater thrust-to-weight ratio, more fuel efficiency, and improved maneuverability, the AL-41 engine is a major improvement over the AL-31. It is especially appropriate for contemporary aerial warfare situations because of these features.
The fifth-generation AL-41 engine features improved materials, such as titanium alloys that can withstand high loads, and innovative aerodynamics. It raises the turbine-inlet temperature to a new level and enables supersonically cruising aircraft without the need for reheat.
NPO Lyulka-Saturn has designated two distinct Russian military turbofan engine versions as AL-41. One version, the AL-41F (Izdeliye 20), is a turbofan engine with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 10.5 to 11:1 with a maximum thrust of 40,000 lbf (176 kN). This variation has a turbine inlet temperature of 1,642 °C (1,915 K; 2,988 °F).
A modular two-shaft turbofan engine with integrated digital control and thrust vector control is the AL-41F-1S (article 117S). It is fitted on aircraft of the Su-35 type. The shape and attachment locations of this engine are made to
The Su-57 was built with the high-performance afterburning turbofan engine known as the Saturn AL-41F1, or Izdeliye 30. With a five-stage high pressure compressor powered by a single-stage high pressure turbine and a three-stage fan powered by a single-stage low pressure turbine, the AL-51F-1 is a two-shaft low-bypass afterburning turbofan engine. To lessen its radar signal, it features convergent-divergent nozzles with serrated flaps and glass-fibre plastic IGVs. Its specific thrust is 6.4% better, its thrust-to-weight ratio is 19% higher, and its specific fuel consumption is 9% lower. It has full authority digital engine control (FADEC) with an estimated dry thrust of 107.9 kN (24,300 lbf) and an afterburner thrust of 166.8 kN (37,500 lbf).
Compared to the current AL-31 engine, the AL-41 engine has a better thrust-to-weight ratio, which improves performance in air warfare, especially during high-speed maneuvers and at higher altitudes.
Better fuel efficiency from this new engine can result in increased operational endurance and range, two important aspects of contemporary aerial combat.
The AL-41 is a robust option for a variety of situations because it is made to resist harsh operating conditions and is intended for high-performance aircraft.
By implementing some of the Sukhoi-57’s performance improvements, the AL-41 engine could help the Sukhoi-30MKI get closer to fifth-generation standards.
In light of changing regional threats, the Sukhoi-30MKI fleet upgrade is viewed as a calculated step to strengthen India’s air warfare capability. In order to keep a technological advantage over possible enemies, the IAF has been updating its fleet. The AL-41 engine might greatly increase these aircraft’s speed, agility, and overall mission effectiveness.
According to Vadim Badekha, CEO of the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) in Russia, “We are offering the new AL-41 engine as part of the Sukhoi-30 upgrade to India” at Aero India 2025. In addition to demonstrating Russia’s dedication to strengthening India’s defense capabilities, this plan creates opportunities for cooperation between Russian technology suppliers and Indian defense firms.
In line with New Delhi’s strategy of boosting domestic production and lowering reliance on foreign suppliers, a crucial component of the negotiations will be enlisting India’s defense sector to manufacture and install these new engines.
