3rd BrahMos Equipped SU-30MKI Squadron on Horizon by 2027 as IAF Readies 20 More Jets for This Game-changing Missile

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to significantly enhance its aerial strike capabilities with plans to integrate the formidable BrahMos-A air-launched cruise missile onto an additional 20 Su-30MKI fighter jets.

This initiative, undertaken by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the IAF, follows the highly successful deployment of the missile system on its existing Su-30MKI fleet. Work on upgrading these aircraft is expected to commence later in 2025.

The BrahMos-A, a 2.5-ton supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia, has already been fitted to approximately 40 Su-30MKI aircraft.

These modifications involve strengthening the aircraft's wings and reinforcing the undercarriage to handle the missile's considerable weight and launch dynamics.

The existing fleet of BrahMos-equipped Su-30MKIs plays a crucial role in India's strategic defence posture, providing the ability to conduct precision attacks on high-value targets on land and at sea from extended ranges, thereby enhancing aircraft survivability.

With the upcoming integration on 20 more fighters, the IAF's inventory of BrahMos-capable Su-30MKIs will increase to around 60. This expanded fleet will enable the formation of a third dedicated squadron for these advanced weapon systems.

The Su-30MKI, a frontline multi-role fighter, requires these structural and aerodynamic adjustments to manage the stresses imposed by carrying and launching the BrahMos missile, which can achieve speeds of Mach 2.8 (nearly three times the speed of sound) and has a stated range exceeding 400 kilometres.

According to official information, HAL is slated to begin the modification process at its Nashik facility later this year. The initial batch of these newly upgraded Su-30MKI fighters is anticipated to be delivered to the IAF by 2027.

This timeline directly supports the raising of the third BrahMos-A operational squadron, further solidifying India's capacity for long-range precision engagement.

The integration of the BrahMos-A missile onto the Su-30MKI platform is widely regarded as a pivotal development in South Asia's military landscape.

The missile system offers a unique combination of high speed, extended range, and significant destructive power, setting it apart from other air-launched cruise missiles available in the region.

Its capability to accurately strike well-protected, high-priority targets provides India with a substantial advantage in its conventional deterrence strategy.

The establishment of three Su-30MKI squadrons armed with the BrahMos-A missile will empower the IAF to execute coordinated, multi-directional strikes deep within hostile territory.

Potential targets include naval assets in the Indian Ocean Region and critical infrastructure situated along adversary borders.

This growing offensive capability significantly elevates the strategic and operational considerations for any potential adversaries, thereby strengthening India's national defence.

 

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[sanket]

HAL has done great work. The Russian platform allows an integration test bed for even indigenous testing of weapons from Astra series, Rudram series, Garuda, Gautham, SAAW, etc., while Mirage and Rafale only have French-origin weapons. Mirage was denied even the integration of an RBE-2 derivative. Credits go to HAL, even after Russia demanded a hefty amount for the integration of BrahMos-A; it modified and integrated BrahMos-A on Su-30 MKI, that too with peanuts charge.

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Is this not too slow? One squadron will take two years? I hope these don't need any additional changes when incorporating 800km extended range BrahMos.

Anyway, it should be faster in case of BrahMos-NG integration on Su-30MKI, Tejas, and MiG-29s.

 

[Anant]

Is this not too slow? One squadron will take two years? I hope these don't need any additional changes when incorporating 800km extended range BrahMos.

Anyway, it should be faster in case of BrahMos-NG integration on Su-30MKI, Tejas, and MiG-29s.

Integrating the BrahMos in it's present form isn't going to happen on the Tejas or the MiG-29. It might happen with the BrahMos-NG, but that missile is still a few years away from induction.

Moreover, I have a feeling the BrahMos-NG would have a lower range? Making a missile smaller AND increasing its range is a difficult ask, and I am not sure if we can manage it yet.

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

Integrating the BrahMos in it's present form isn't going to happen on the Tejas or the MiG-29. It might happen with the BrahMos-NG, but that missile is still a few years away from induction.

Moreover, I have a feeling the BrahMos-NG would have a lower range? Making a missile smaller AND increasing its range is a difficult ask, and I am not sure if we can manage it yet.

I have specifically mentioned BrahMos-NG in the 2nd para.

Yes BrahMos-NG will have lower range, weight and size. When did I ask to make it with 450, 800km range?! Don't make allegations out of thin air.

Anyways, in the current form, only Su-30MKI can carry BrahMos that too only one in number. But even with lower range, for BrahMos-NG, Su-30MKI can carry 3 missiles, MiG-29 can carry 2 missiles and even Tejas can carry 1 missile. So, it is much more firepower.

 

[Somnath Sinhababu]

What is the update regarding Super Sukhoi? Its engine, avionics, and all other parts... I think it was nearly an 8 billion USD dollar project. No update regarding it. It is necessary. Government has to take IAF seriously. We have clearly seen how air force can change the nature of any conflict. IAF has to prepare for a three-front war. Government should not waste any time and take significant measures for IAF. First, sign MMRCA, expedite all the indigenous programmes.

 

[king dorm]

Shouldn't we integrate BrahMos with our newer jets like Tejas? Su-30 is probably already getting old; probably in the next 10 years, we'll have to start replacing them. We can put BrahMos on Su-30 for the time being, but we need to think ahead too.

 

[Rohit Chaudhary]

Some crucial upgrades include replacing existing radar with Virupaksha radar. As I have read, it will be a significant upgrade. Combined with Astra Mk2, the Su-30 will completely dominate the airspace. The same is for Tejas Mk2 with upgraded Uttam AESA radar and Astra Mk2; it will be a very formidable point defence fighter.

 

[Pankaj]

Now it's time to scrap the MRFA deal, and India should order 36 more Rafale F4 (only if France is ready to deliver within 36 months from the date of order). India must work hard on Tejas MK2 and AMCA production. These two will be the weapons of the future for us. And meanwhile, if sanctions are lifted from Russia, India should go for joint production of the 5th-gen jet SU-57.

 

[Sandeep]

India should carry out and upgrade all of their jets to the Super Sukhoi standard which will upgrade the technology and its capabilities. So it’s best to carry out reinforcing the undercarriage at the same time so we can avoid having to withdraw the jet from the frontline for any type of upgrades continuously.

What we really need to do is quickly and 100% indigenously design, develop and manufacture the Brahmos NG or an indigenous alternative like the Rudram MK1-3 missiles which hits the target at Mach 5 during its terminal phase.

 

[Akshat]

HAL has done great work. The Russian platform allows an integration test bed for even indigenous testing of weapons from Astra series, Rudram series, Garuda, Gautham, SAAW, etc., while Mirage and Rafale only have French-origin weapons. Mirage was denied even the integration of an RBE-2 derivative. Credits go to HAL, even after Russia demanded a hefty amount for the integration of BrahMos-A; it modified and integrated BrahMos-A on Su-30 MKI, that too with peanuts charge.

More lies. Mirage was integrated with Israeli PGMs and targeting pods during the Kargil war. Why blabber when you don't have any information bro?

 

[Python]

More lies. Mirage was integrated with Israeli PGMs and targeting pods during the Kargil war. Why blabber when you don't have any information bro?

So far Mirage has only been integrated with one indian weapon i.e, sudarshan bombs( as far as I know). India definitely has more freedom in testing and integrating indigenous weapons in Su30 and mig 29s than in rafale or Mirage due to co production.