India is to modernize its Sukhoi-30MKI fighter aircraft fleet significantly, with intentions to upgrade to advanced avionics, cutting-edge radar systems, and a whopping 78% local content in the upgraded jets.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently met with his Russian counterpart Andrey Belousov to discuss the extent of this ambitious modernisation. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers' Meeting in Qingdao, China, on Thursday.
The Indian Air Force now has approximately 260 Sukhoi-30MKI aircraft, which recently saw action during Operation Sindoor. Throughout this operation, the air-launched version of the BrahMos missile was used effectively against Pakistani air bases on May 10.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) made a statement on Friday underscoring that the meeting between the two ministers involved a broad spectrum of subjects, such as current geopolitical shifts, counter-terrorism collaboration, and attempts to strengthen Indo-Russian defence cooperation. The discussion was particularly important given India's increased emphasis on military preparedness in recent operations.
The range of talks, as per the MoD, comprised major points like strengthening air defence capabilities, upgrading air-to-air missile systems, upgrading aircraft platforms, providing timely delivery of S-400 air defence systems, upgrading the Sukhoi-30MKI fleet, and procuring other essential defence equipment on priority.
In February, Russia had put forward a massive boost to the Sukhoi upgrade programme by offering the AL-41 engine — the propulsion behind its top-secret stealth fighter, the Sukhoi-57. The engine is more powerful than the current AL-31 engines that power Indian Sukhois.
The Sukhoi-57's performance, demonstrated at Aero India in Bengaluru this year, has left a significant impression on Indian defence strategists.
The upgrade for the Sukhoi-30MKI is planned to include the integration of Indian-produced systems like avionics, radar, and mission computers. One of the highlights of the makeover will be the integration of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)'s Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhancing significantly target detection and tracking. The cockpit too will undergo a total makeover with fully digital, large screen touchscreen displays for increased situational awareness. A new mission computer will be equipped to handle the increased computing requirements of the advanced systems.
The project will significantly cut down on India's dependence on foreign vendors by using 78% indigenous content — big relief for domestic defence production under the 'Make in India' drive.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's aerospace behemoth which manufactures Sukhoi-30MKI under license, is set to sign the work-share arrangement for rolling out the comprehensive upgrade package.
In their meeting, Russian Defence Minister Belousov reiterated the durability of the time-tested Indo-Russian relationship, reiterating that the two nations' partnership has held firm despite the vicissitudes of time. He also conveyed his nation's solidarity with India in the wake of the gruesome terrorist attack that took place on April 22 in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir.
Read also| Judicial activism shouldn't turn into judicial terrorism or adventurism, Says CJI Gavai
Read also| Watch| Trinamool MP Responds to Kolkata Rape Case: "What If a Friend Violates Trust?"
