The Indian Air Force has officially launched the Sankalp-2026 program, aimed at completely replacing Russian systems on Su-30MKI and MiG-29 fighters. According to the Indian specialized publication IDRW, the program was launched in response to sanction risks and disruptions in spare parts supplies caused by geopolitical tensions.
According to the roadmap, priority is given to a fleet of 270 Russian fighters. The key task is to replace Russian avionics, onboard electronics, radar stations, EW systems, navigation, and communication with Indian counterparts. The integration of Indian Astra air-to-air missiles is also planned, which should reduce dependence on Russian armaments.
As stated by the Indian Ministry of Defence, the aircraft will undergo modernization under the Super Sukhoi program: 84 fighters will receive new radars, updated EW and navigation systems by the end of the year, and will be able to carry not only Indian but also Western armaments. This will extend the service life of the fighters until 2050.
We have already discussed in detail the evolution of Indian plans to upgrade the Su-30MKI fleet. As early as mid-2025, the "Super-30" program became known, which provided for the modernization of 84 fighters with the installation of an AESA radar, Astra missiles, and a digital cockpit with a localization level of up to 78%. At that time, it was about upgrading to the "4.5+" level, and not about a complete rejection of Russian solutions.
In early 2026, the picture looked different: it was reported that the modernization of the same 84 aircraft would take place with the involvement of Russian technologies — including the installation of AL-41F-1S engines. In parallel, HAL received a large contract for the production of AL-31FB aircraft engines for the Su-30MKI and RD-33 for the MiG-29, which in itself indicated India's desire to localize critically important components. The launch of the Sankalp-2026 program means that the course for technological sovereignty now extends to avionics, EW, and armaments — without regard to Russian participation.