India and Russia have signed a long term support agreement for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI combat aircraft fleet.
This covers 57,000 spares and components pertaining to aircrafts.
The agreement was signed by HAL with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation and United Engine Corporation at the first India-Russia Military Industrial Conference.
India has contracted 272 Su-30 fighter jets from Russia in numerous batches and over 230 jets.
Their serviceability rate has been an issue of concern. Serviceability rates have fallen below 50 percent and at one point, it had approved to over 60%.
Pacts provide for an upgraded schedule for delivery of spares from Russia for Su-30MKI, local manufacturing of parts and a proposed logistics hub for fighter jets in Bengaluru, Karnataka by HAL.
Pacts were signed for life cycle support and maintenance for other Russian origin platforms.
This includes MiG-29K aircraft, MI-17 choppers, INS Vikramaditya and T-90 tanks.
A long lasting concern of India with regard to Russian origin military equipment will be addressed.
India has the 3rd largest armed forces in the world and one of the largest importers of defence equipment.
As most of the defence platforms and weapon systems are of Russian origin, maintenance and life cycle support is important from the point of view of defence preparedness.
The deal follows a Russian legislation permitting companies to enter into direct agreement with foreign companies for long term support.
Procurement of spares is a tough process as India cannot deal with Original Equipment Manufacturers directly; it has to go through intermediaries.
OEMs: Know More- An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is a company whose goods are used as components in the products of another company.
- It then sells the finished item to users.
- This firm is referred to as a value-added reseller (VAR) (because by augmenting or incorporating features or services, it adds value to the original item) works closely with the OEM.
- This customizes designs based on the VAR company's needs and specifications.
