India is speeding up efforts to modernise its air combat fleet as tensions with Pakistan and China remain high. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently has only 31–32 operational fighter squadrons, far below the sanctioned strength of 41–42. Each squadron has about 18 fighter jets and two trainers. To close this gap, the Defence Ministry is focusing on acquiring new aircraft and upgrading the existing Su-30MKI fleet under the "Super-30" project.
Su-30MKI to be upgraded for future needs
The Su-30MKI is the IAF’s main combat aircraft. Developed jointly with Russia, it is a 4.5-generation jet. India currently operates 272 Su-30MKIs. Under the Super-30 project, 84 of these jets are reportedly being planned for an upgrade over the next 3–4 years. The upgrade is expected to cost between $2.4 and $7.8 billion (₹66,829 crore), as reported by India Defense News. These upgrades aim to extend the operational life of the aircraft until 2055.
Twelve Su-30MKIs have been lost in crashes. The government has asked Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce 12 more to replace these losses, at a cost of ₹13,500 crore.
What’s changing in the Super-30 upgrade?
Several key systems will be added or replaced in the Su-30MKI as part of the upgrade:
Virupaksha radar: Developed by DRDO, this new radar is based on gallium nitride (GaN) technology and uses an active electronically scanned array (AESA) design. It can detect targets up to 300–400 km away and includes 2,400 transmit-receive modules.
Digital cockpit: The aircraft will receive a modern user interface and new avionics to improve pilot awareness and onboard system coordination.
Flight control system: A new 64-bit Digital Flight Control Computer will replace the older 32-bit system, enhancing flight performance and stability.
Air-to-air missiles: The aircraft will be equipped with indigenous Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 missiles, which can engage targets up to 300 km away.
Russian R-37M integration: This hypersonic missile, with a 400 km range and speeds up to Mach 6, is designed for long-range air combat.
Other additions include a new electronic warfare suite, improved secure communication systems, and a modern infrared search and track (IRST) system.
Focus on stealth detection and future radars
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit recently said that a photonics radar is being considered for both the Su-30MKI and Rafale fleets. “This radar will significantly improve the aircraft’s ability to identify and track stealth targets due to its advanced sensing capabilities.” Photonics radar uses light-based components, which are faster and more resistant to jamming than traditional systems.
Engine choice: reliability over raw power
There will be no engine upgrade as India has decided to retain the current AL-31FP engine for its Su-30MKI fleet, instead of switching to Russia’s more powerful AL-41F1S engine. The AL-31FP generates 123 kN of thrust, while the AL-41F1S offers 142 kN.
Addressing the broader fighter shortfall
India originally planned to buy 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) but ended up purchasing only 36 Rafales. Former Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria had said, “The IAF needs around 250 aircraft of Rafale-class capability to meet future operational requirements.”
The indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, despite facing delays due to engine supply issues, continues to be a key part of the IAF’s future plans. The IAF plans to induct 352 Tejas fighters across Mk1 and Mk2 variants.
A strategic upgrade in response to evolving threats
The Super-30 project comes after lessons learned during the 2019 Balakot and Operation Sindoor air strikes. During the Balakot strikes, Su-30MKIs were reportedly at a disadvantage compared to Pakistan’s F-16s due to inferior radar and sensors. Similar deficiencies were observed when Su-30s equipped with R-77 missiles, which have a BVR range of nearly 100 km, were found lacking against Pakistan's JF-17s equipped with PL-15E missiles, which have a range of nearly 150 km. The planned upgrades aim to address these weaknesses by improving detection range, missile reach, and combat readiness.
The modernisation also boosts India’s deterrence capabilities against regional rivals, especially as China and Pakistan continue to upgrade their air fleets.
Preparing for the next generation
India is also working on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter jet project led by DRDO and HAL. It will include stealth features, internal weapon storage, advanced avionics, and supercruise capability. The aim is to produce a fully indigenous next-gen fighter within the next decade.
Su-30MKI to be upgraded for future needs
The Su-30MKI is the IAF’s main combat aircraft. Developed jointly with Russia, it is a 4.5-generation jet. India currently operates 272 Su-30MKIs. Under the Super-30 project, 84 of these jets are reportedly being planned for an upgrade over the next 3–4 years. The upgrade is expected to cost between $2.4 and $7.8 billion (₹66,829 crore), as reported by India Defense News. These upgrades aim to extend the operational life of the aircraft until 2055.
Twelve Su-30MKIs have been lost in crashes. The government has asked Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to produce 12 more to replace these losses, at a cost of ₹13,500 crore.
What’s changing in the Super-30 upgrade?
Several key systems will be added or replaced in the Su-30MKI as part of the upgrade:
Virupaksha radar: Developed by DRDO, this new radar is based on gallium nitride (GaN) technology and uses an active electronically scanned array (AESA) design. It can detect targets up to 300–400 km away and includes 2,400 transmit-receive modules.
Digital cockpit: The aircraft will receive a modern user interface and new avionics to improve pilot awareness and onboard system coordination.
Flight control system: A new 64-bit Digital Flight Control Computer will replace the older 32-bit system, enhancing flight performance and stability.
Air-to-air missiles: The aircraft will be equipped with indigenous Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 missiles, which can engage targets up to 300 km away.
Russian R-37M integration: This hypersonic missile, with a 400 km range and speeds up to Mach 6, is designed for long-range air combat.
Other additions include a new electronic warfare suite, improved secure communication systems, and a modern infrared search and track (IRST) system.
Focus on stealth detection and future radars
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit recently said that a photonics radar is being considered for both the Su-30MKI and Rafale fleets. “This radar will significantly improve the aircraft’s ability to identify and track stealth targets due to its advanced sensing capabilities.” Photonics radar uses light-based components, which are faster and more resistant to jamming than traditional systems.
Engine choice: reliability over raw power
There will be no engine upgrade as India has decided to retain the current AL-31FP engine for its Su-30MKI fleet, instead of switching to Russia’s more powerful AL-41F1S engine. The AL-31FP generates 123 kN of thrust, while the AL-41F1S offers 142 kN.
Addressing the broader fighter shortfall
India originally planned to buy 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) but ended up purchasing only 36 Rafales. Former Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria had said, “The IAF needs around 250 aircraft of Rafale-class capability to meet future operational requirements.”
The indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, despite facing delays due to engine supply issues, continues to be a key part of the IAF’s future plans. The IAF plans to induct 352 Tejas fighters across Mk1 and Mk2 variants.
A strategic upgrade in response to evolving threats
The Super-30 project comes after lessons learned during the 2019 Balakot and Operation Sindoor air strikes. During the Balakot strikes, Su-30MKIs were reportedly at a disadvantage compared to Pakistan’s F-16s due to inferior radar and sensors. Similar deficiencies were observed when Su-30s equipped with R-77 missiles, which have a BVR range of nearly 100 km, were found lacking against Pakistan's JF-17s equipped with PL-15E missiles, which have a range of nearly 150 km. The planned upgrades aim to address these weaknesses by improving detection range, missile reach, and combat readiness.
The modernisation also boosts India’s deterrence capabilities against regional rivals, especially as China and Pakistan continue to upgrade their air fleets.
Preparing for the next generation
India is also working on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a fifth-generation fighter jet project led by DRDO and HAL. It will include stealth features, internal weapon storage, advanced avionics, and supercruise capability. The aim is to produce a fully indigenous next-gen fighter within the next decade.
You may also like
'That's misleading': Video of Zohran Mamdani saying he would never identify as Black viral amid Columbia row
Liverpool delay pre-season return as players respond to Diogo Jota's heartbreaking death
FD Update: This bank is giving the highest interest on FD, you will get a profit of Rs 47,015 on an investment of Rs 2 lakh..
Vijay is chief ministerial candidate, declares TVK
Full confirmed list of Arsenal ins and outs for summer transfer window as two more deals announced
