Exercises took place in the skies over the Arabian Sea, observed by military analysts from around the world. Indian Su-30MKI, in service with the country's Air Force, engaged in a training battle with the latest British F-35B stealth fighters. The maneuvers provided an exceptional opportunity to compare the characteristics of "4++" generation aircraft with the capabilities of fifth-generation fighters in real conditions.
The Indian side used the A-50EI AWACS aircraft, equipped with the Israeli EL/M-2075 radar system, operating in the L-band and capable of detecting targets with an effective scattering area (ESA) of 0.1 sq. m (which roughly corresponds to the ESA of F-35B fighters) on the ground at a distance of 120-130 km. This significantly improved the capabilities of Su-30MKI pilots, who previously used outdated N011M "Bars" airborne radars with a detection range of F-35A no more than 60-70 km.
Thus, presumably, Astra Mk.1 or Mk.2 missiles were launched from a distance of 110 or 130 kilometers using data provided by the A-50EI. Pilots of British F-35Bs, equipped with AN/APG-81 radars, could detect Su-30MKIs with RCS of 10 sq. m at a distance of 200–210 kilometers and carry out "digital launches" of AIM-120C-7/D missiles from a range of 120 or 160 kilometers.
Military experts note that such an outcome in a long-range battle with F-35A fighters is already considered an excellent result for the Su-30MKI. At the same time, our Su-30SM2s with Irbis-E airborne radars and R-77M air-to-air missiles can demonstrate much higher capabilities in battles with "Lightnings".
The exercises were part of the British aircraft carrier group's visit led by the ship "Принц Уэльский" to India.
Earlier www1.ru reported that The Russian Aerospace Forces tested new FABs with UMPC for 150 km.