India is embarking on a major upgrade of its Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, transforming them into advanced 'Super' Sukhois in a project worth Rs 63,000 crore. This extensive modernization will include state-of-the-art radars, avionics, extended-range weapons, and multi-sensor fusion capabilities, ensuring these jets remain operational until 2055.
The defense ministry is preparing a proposal for the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to approve the first phase of this ambitious upgrade. The plan involves enhancing 84 jets initially, with the project extending over approximately 15 years. The first seven years will focus on development and flight testing, followed by a gradual induction of the upgraded jets into service.
The 'Super' Sukhois will approach fifth-generation fighter capabilities, although they will not include stealth features. They will be equipped with manned-unmanned teaming technology to work alongside advanced autonomous drones using artificial intelligence and data links. This upgrade is crucial as the Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates 30 fighter squadrons, short of the sanctioned strength of 42 needed to address threats from China and Pakistan.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will carry out the upgrade of all 84 twin-engine Sukhois. The enhanced aircraft will feature the indigenous ‘Virupaksha’ advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, which will improve detection range by 1.5 to 1.7 times compared to the existing Russian radars. They will also support the integration of longer-range weapons like the Astra-3 air-to-air missiles, with a range of 350 km.
The upgrade will ensure that all electronics, except for the fly-by-wire system, are made in India. This includes mission computers with improved algorithms. The project will see contributions from HAL, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and the private sector.
Additionally, 40 Sukhoi fighters have been modified to carry BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The range of these missiles has been extended from 290 km to 450 km, with future plans to increase it further to 800 km, enhancing the IAF's precision-strike capabilities.
This upgrade is part of India's broader defense strategy, which includes significant budget allocations for modernizing the armed forces and boosting indigenous production. The nation's defense ambitions also include developing and deploying advanced military technologies, with a goal to introduce its own fifth-generation fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), in the next 15 years. The Sukhoi upgrades will integrate futuristic technologies, ensuring that the IAF remains at the forefront of defense capabilities.
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