Su-30MKI Fighter Fleet's Life To Be Extended By 20 Years; Jets To Get Advanced Weapons

In response to the dual threat posed by China and Pakistan, coupled with the recent challenges of drones targeting ships in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively enhancing its capabilities. The focus is on extending the service life of its Sukhoi-30 MKI, a Russian-origin combat aircraft, by over 20 years. With approximately 272 jets in its fleet, the Sukhoi-30 MKI is expected to be a crucial component of the IAF for the next 15-20 years.

The IAF is concurrently upgrading the Sukhoi-30 MKI with modern technologies, incorporating indigenous advanced radars, avionics, and weapon systems. A notable development is the integration of the Virupaaksha radar, designed indigenously to meet the specific requirements of the IAF across various sectors. According to defence sources, this radar is anticipated to be the most advanced among all Sukhoi-30 variants globally.

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Driven by a mission to indigenize its equipment inventory, the IAF aims to procure equipment worth over Rs three lakh crore from Indian firms shortly. The Sukhoi-30MKI, renowned as a multi-role air dominance fighter, boasts the capability to carry diverse weapons, including the Astra Mk-1 long-range air-to-air missile, Brahmos Air Launched missile, and various bombs.

The IAF has successfully conducted flight tests of the Astra Air-to-Air missile from the Sukhoi-30 MKI and test-fired the Rudram Anti-Radiation Missile from the same fighter aircraft. Despite the induction of 36 Rafale fighter jets, the IAF acknowledges the need for further reinforcement in light of existing threats. The acquisition of 97 Tejas light combat jets is also underway to enhance defence capabilities, especially with the impending retirement of the MiG-21 and MiG-23 fleet.

Su-30MKI युद्धविमान दल का जीवन 20 वर्षों तक बढ़ाया जाएगा; जेट्स को उन्नत हथियार मिलेंगे।