New Delhi: India’s Defence Ministry has finalized a significant acquisition, securing a Rs 26,000-crore agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) for the production of 240 aero-engines for the Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets. This development is poised to strengthen India’s defense capabilities but also has the potential to intensify the arms race in the South Asian region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the procurement is perceived as a major enhancement to the Indian military’s operational capacity amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly with neighboring countries Pakistan and China. The deal underscores India’s efforts to modernize its military forces, which could alter the security dynamics within South Asia.

The engines, to be manufactured at HAL’s facility in Koraput, Odisha, are scheduled for delivery at a rate of 30 AL-31FP aero-engines per year over the next eight years. While this deal positions India advantageously in military terms, it also sparks concerns regarding the broader implications for regional peace and stability.

Experts suggest that India’s latest military upgrade might trigger a competitive response from neighboring nations, which may feel compelled to bolster their own military assets. Such developments could exacerbate tensions in the region, increasing the risk of conflict and undermining efforts towards regional stability.