The Indian Air Force (IAF), which is experiencing a major fighter squadron shortage—with its strength now reduced to only 29 squadrons, far below the authorised squadron strength of 42 squadrons, and with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A delivery yet to be materialised—is reportedly looking at upgrading the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet to enhance its service life by two more decades.
The fighter jets, which were inducted into the IAF over two decades ago, in 2002, will now be upgraded to become a more capable platform with indigenous systems and next-generation capabilities.
According to an Indian Express report, the planned update proposal, referred to as 'Super Sukhoi' programme or 'Su-30MKI upgrade' is being examined by the defence ministry.
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The update plan includes new radars, IR sensors, electronic warfare suite (EWS), avionics, and a new cockpit.
“It (the proposal) is currently being examined by the ministry of defence. Efforts are on to send it soon to the CCS (cabinet committee on security) for its sanction for the design and development phase,” Indian Express quoted an official as saying.
Once the CCS approves the proposal, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is expected to provide the final operational clearance (FOC) version of the updated fighter jets in seven years, officials have been quoted as saying.
In December, the defence acquisition council (DAC), under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted the acceptance of necessity for the procurement of EWS comprising external airborne self protection jammer pods, next-generation radar warning receiver and associated equipment for Su-30 MKI. These are expected to boost the operational capabilities of the fighter jet and protect it from enemy radars.
