As part of the Super Sukhoi modernisation programme to upgrade the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to make it a far more advanced combat platform, the defence ministry has issued an RFP or request for proposal to equip the fighters with anti-jamming, anti-spoofing multi-constellation global positioning system (GPS) antenna.
According to a report in the Times of India, the antenna will be able to simultaneously operate under various satellite navigation constellations.
According to the RFP, the system must be capable of operating throughout the entire flight envelope of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, including at altitudes of up to 21 km, speeds reaching Mach 1.5, and acceleration loads ranging between -2g and 9g. It should be compatible with GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and the GAGAN satellite-based augmentation system, the report stated.
The tender also calls for the delivery of 300 antenna systems, along with 50 field-level testers and 10 base-level testers.
The project is expected to be completed within 24 months from the signing of the contract, the report said.
As per the RFP timeline, bids must be submitted online by June 22, while the opening of technical bids is scheduled for the next day.
The Super Sukhoi programme is important for the IAF, which is facing a serious fighter jet squadron shortage as the jet is the the backbone of the IAF, with over 250 aircraft in service. The modernisation includes advanced radars, new mission computers, upgraded avionics, improved electronic warfare systems, longer-range weapons, AI-assisted systems, and more indigenous equipment.
