The MoD is procuring the new engines to replace the existing engines on the MiG-29UPG variant fighters which equip 3 IAF squadrons, which are nearing life expiration. The new engines called RD-33MK represent a more advanced variant - they are more powerful, more fuel efficient and easier to maintain.
To facilitate local manufacture, Russia will transfer to HAL the manufacturing technology for several high value critical components that go into the upgraded RD-33MK variant of the engine.
The RD-33MK engines will sustain the operational capability of the MiG-29UPG for the residual service life of the fleet.
Maturing India-Russia Defence Relationship
Besides emphasising the enduring nature and dependability of India's defence relationship with Russia, the RD-33 contract illustrates how the relationship has matured from a straight forward buyer seller relationship into an equal partners technology sharing partnership!
A sneak peek into the history of the IAF's MiG-29 procurement and upgrade programs will help us better understand how the relationship between the two nations has matured.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) first procured MiG-29 fighters (40 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainers) from the Soviet Union in 1984. The aircraft was officially inducted into the IAF in 1987.
RD-33 Series 3 Modernisation
In 2005, Russia signed a $250 million contract with India to modernise engines for the IAF MiG-29 fighters. According to the terms of the contract, HAL would make 120 RD-33 series 3 jet engines at its Koraput plant for the upgrade of MiG-29 fighters.
The contract for local manufacture of RD-33 Series 3 engine was intended to help HAL master the assembly of the RD-33 jet engines and use the experience for the assembly of next generation jet engines.
At that point of time, India's MMRCA procurement program was under contemplation and Russia was hopeful of pitching its MiG-35 fighter as a MMRCA contender. The MiG-35 was to be powered by the next generation RD-33 engine.
A Russian MiG 29 M2 awaits take off as Indian Air Force Personnel stand with guns to shoot down Pariah Kites at a rehearsal for the inauguration of the Aero India 2005 that begins Wednesday at the Yelahanaka Air Force Station near Bangalore, India, Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005.
© AP Photo / GAUTAM SINGH
In March 2008 Russia's RAC-MiG signed a $964 million contract with the Indian Defense Ministry to modernise 62 MiG-29 fighters (54 fighters and 8 trainers). The project, which was expected to be completed by 2013, was finally completed in 2022).
The MiG-29UPG upgrade program did not include an upgrade of the engine. The current fleet of IAF MiG-29 UPG aircraft are all powered by the RD-33 Series 3 engine.
According to Wikipedia, till 2020, HAL had manufactured 140 RD-33 Series 3 engines under licence at HAL Koraput.
RD-33MK Variant
The recently signed contract between the MoD and HAL is for procuring the latest variant of the RD-33 engine - the RD-33MK.
The RD-33MK variant already powers Indian Navy (IN) MiG-29K/KUB shipborne fighters based on INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. The RD-33MK is also used on MiG-29SMT fighters of the Russian Aerospace Force.
Russian MiG-29SMT fighter jets fly in the shape of the letter Z, which has become a symbol of the Russian military, and a hashtag reading "We don't abandon our own", over Red Square during a dress rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, May 7, 2022.
© AP Photo
The RD-33MK has an improved thrust-to-weight ratio, lower specific fuel consumption and a longer service life.
The new variant is equipped with a modern digital electronic management and control system (FADEC), as well as a power unit for aircraft accessories with dual-redundant main accessories.
Importantly, it features an additional contingency takeoff power setting, to facilitate unassisted take off from carrier decks, as also improved corrosion protection of parts and components.
For engine ground service, an automated diagnostic system (based on a laptop PC) is available that makes it possible to quickly evaluate the technical condition of the engines.
Local Manufacture & Repair of RD-33MK
In July 2019 Minister of State, Defense, Shripad Naik told parliament that HAL is planning to establish Repair and Overhaul (ROH) facilities for RD-33MK engines of MiG-29K/KUB fighter aircraft.
The new contract would allow HAL to acquire from Russia the new technology that goes into the RD-33MK engine for its local manufacture at Koraput.
Conclusion
Local manufacture of the RD-33MK will ensure that the IAF and IN are able to achieve high serviceability of their respective MiG-29 fleets. The ToT from Russia for the manufacture of critical high value RD-33MK components will give HAL greater insight into fighter engine design and manufacturing, a critical Indian need for developing its own engine.
Additionally, local manufacture and the ROH infrastructure being set up will open export opportunities.
It may be noted that the Egyptian Air Force acquired around 46 MiG-29M/M2 variants from Russia, which are also powered by the RD-33MK engines.
The RD-33 manufacturing contract belies Western and Indian mainstream media claims that India's defence partnership with Russia is weakening. Far from it, the relationship is strengthening in a manner that the collective West, which cannot think beyond transactional relationships, will never be able to unravel.