The Indian Air Force has decided not to purchase additional Su-30MKI aircraft, despite calls to expand the fleet of these machines. As explained by a former senior Su-30MKI pilot in an interview with the Indian publication IDRW, New Delhi's strategy is dictated by long-term operational needs and the evolving requirements for air warfare.
The Su-30MKI remains the backbone of India's fighter fleet, with 272 aircraft of this type in service. However, according to the source, future air battles will require different approaches. A large, heavy fighter with a significant radar cross-section becomes too vulnerable to modern radar stations and integrated air defense systems. In an environment dominated by stealth platforms, such as the prospective Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), fourth-generation aircraft lose their advantages.
Instead of purchasing new aircraft, the Indian Air Force is focusing on a deep modernization program for existing ones. The current Su-30MKI fleet is planned to be equipped with the latest Indian "Virupaksha" AESA radar, built using gallium nitride technology. This radar is capable of detecting stealth targets at a distance of up to 210 km, and conventional ones at twice that distance. Moreover, it weighs only about 295 kg, which is significantly lighter than the old Russian radar, according to IDRW. In addition, the modernization will affect electronic warfare systems, onboard computers, and avionics with AI elements, which will extend the aircraft's service life until the 2050s.
The decision is also dictated by economic and industrial considerations. Maintaining a fleet of 272 aircraft with Russian AL-31FP engines requires significant resources, and the life cycle cost of the machines is constantly increasing. At the same time, investments in new Indian platforms – Tejas Mk2 and AMCA – are considered critically important for achieving India's technological sovereignty in aircraft manufacturing. These programs are intended to strengthen domestic aerospace potential and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers.
As the publication notes, the order for 12 new Su-30MKIs, which was previously reported, is solely aimed at replacing aircraft lost over 25 years of service and does not signify the beginning of a new procurement campaign.