IAF to upgrade SU-30 fighter aircraft

Modernising its fighter jet fleet, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to upgrade its SU-30 MKI combat aircraft with the help of Russia.

“As part of IAF’s modernisation programme, we are going to upgrade 50 Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft with the help of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from Russia,” informed the Defence Ministry sources.

“Su-30 MKIs have been inducted into IAF in four phases. The ones to be upgraded are from the first phase and the project is likely to be completed in the next three to four years,” they added.

Of the 50 aircraft, around five would be sent to the Russian facilities, while remaining would undergo upgradation within India, they said. Under the modernisation programme, the aircraft will be upgraded to the latest standards and equipped with modern avionics and various other capabilities.

“The airframe of these aircraft would also be strengthened to equip them with air-launched version of the 290 km range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile,” the sources said.

The SU-30s were inducted into IAF in late 90s. At present, six squadrons of the aircraft are in service.