Indigenous production of Sukhoi by 2015: HAL

NEW DELHI: The indigenous production of Sukhoi (Su-30 MKI) fighter aircraft is expected to be complete by 2015, three years ahead of schedule, the manufacturing company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) said on Sunday.

The programme is continuing at an accelerated pace as compared to the earlier plan, HAL spokesman said.

"Total technology is getting established in HAL as planned," he said.

"In order to complete the programme by 2015, instead of 2018, as required by the Indian Air Force, certain components and systems are being procured from Russia," the spokesman said, adding this decision was taken to optimise the investments in HAL.