India has abandoned the creation of new variants of the Russian Su-30MKI fighter and decided to allocate resources to the deep modernization of its existing fleet. This decision has become part of a broader restructuring of the Indian Air Force's plans, where increasing attention is being paid to next-generation aircraft, including the Russian Su-57.

The change in approach was announced by the Indian Minister of Defence, stating that the country does not plan to launch new derivative versions of the Sukhoi. Instead, the main focus will be on improving the capabilities of already operated aircraft.

The Su-30MKI remains India's largest fleet of heavy fighters. The country operates about 260 such aircraft, created on the basis of the Russian platform taking into account Indian requirements. Now these machines are to receive new control systems, weapons, avionics, and electronic warfare equipment.

However, the rejection of new Su-30 versions is not only related to modernization. The decision shows that India is gradually preparing for a transition to the next generation of combat aviation. Against this background, the possible participation of Russian technologies in future programs, including the promising Su-57 fighter, is increasingly being discussed.

Previously, New Delhi considered various options for expanding cooperation on Russian combat aircraft, including the possibility of acquiring and locally producing new-generation machines. Now, the Indian side is effectively separating two directions: the modernization of proven Su-30MKIs and the search for solutions for the future fighter fleet.