The Indian Air Force is advancing a program to comprehensively modernize its fleet of heavy multirole Su-30MKI fighters with the involvement of Russian technologies. The activities will begin with the refinement of 84 aircraft out of more than 270 units in service. This was reported by Military Watch Magazine.
According to MWM, the Russian side will assist in the integration of a wide range of new subsystems. The work will take place at the facilities of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Nashik, where these aircraft were previously assembled and serviced under license. Recently, a Russian technical delegation visited the enterprise, which confirms the intensification of bilateral cooperation in this area.
The program aims to prepare the fleet for modernization in accordance with long-term plans. One of the key projects, known as Super Sukhoi, involves the upgrade of 84 aircraft.
It is not yet clear what technologies and subsystems will be used to modernize the Su-30MKI. It is likely that it will be equipped with AL-41F-1S engines, which are used on the Su-30SM2, which will provide much higher flight performance, increased flight range due to increased fuel efficiency, and will also reduce operating costs and maintenance needs.
As part of the upcoming work, the replacement or refinement of key elements of onboard equipment is being considered, including capabilities for active phased array radars, electronic warfare systems, and power plants. Official details of the composition of the supplied subsystems and exact characteristics have not yet been disclosed, but it can be assumed that the emphasis will be on improving the tactical and technical performance of the aircraft.
The total Su-30MKI fleet forms the basis of the Indian Air Force's fighter aviation and numbers over 270 units. The implementation of both modernization directions — Russian and domestic — will maintain the quantitative and qualitative level of the fleet in the coming years.
