A pivotal development has emerged regarding one of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) most significant defence modernisation projects.
D.K. Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has confirmed that the final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the comprehensive upgrade of 84 Su-30MKI fighter jets is expected shortly, likely within the next few months.
Technical Specifications Finalised
According to the HAL Chief, the substantial technical groundwork required for this ambitious programme has been successfully completed.Following extensive deliberations involving HAL, the Indian Air Force, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and other key stakeholders, the upgrade configuration has been frozen.
The finalised package encompasses critical performance parameters, including advanced avionics integration, enhanced weapon capabilities, and system-wide improvements.
The project is currently in the final stages of procedural and contractual processing—standard administrative modalities that precede the sanctioning of high-value defence contracts by the CCS.
A "Super Sukhoi" for the Future
Mr Sunil expressed confidence that once these final procedural steps are concluded, the approval file will move swiftly. His assessment suggests a timeline of approximately two months for the final clearance.This timeline is of strategic importance to the IAF. The Su-30MKI fleet serves as the backbone of India’s air power, undertaking a wide array of missions ranging from air superiority and deep penetration strikes to maritime dominance.
However, with many of these airframes now entering their second decade of service, a mid-life upgrade is essential to maintain their combat edge against evolving adversaries, particularly in domains such as electronic warfare and long-range engagement.
Indigenous Tech at the Core
Often referred to as the "Super Sukhoi" programme, this modernisation effort—estimated to cost between ₹60,000 and ₹65,000 crore—aims to transform the 4th-generation heavy fighter into a potent 4.5+ generation platform.Key upgrades likely include:
- Virupaksha AESA Radar: Replacing the older Russian passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar with the indigenous 'Virupaksha' Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This GaN-based radar is expected to increase detection ranges by 1.5 to 1.7 times.
- Advanced Weaponry: Integration of indigenous stand-off weapons, including the Astra Mk-1 and Mk-2 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles, and the Rudram series of anti-radiation missiles.
- Electronic Warfare (EW): A completely new, indigenous electronic warfare suite to counter modern jamming and surveillance threats.
- Cockpit & Avionics: A glass cockpit with larger high-resolution displays and a new, indigenous mission computer capable of faster data processing.
HAL Nashik Ready for Execution
HAL’s Nashik Division, which has a long history of manufacturing and overhauling the Su-30MKI under licence, is positioned to spearhead the upgrade work.With the technical blueprint already established, the facility is prepared to commence operations immediately upon receiving the government's "green light."
This modernisation will extend the operational service life of these fighters well into the 2040s and 2050s, bridging the capability gap until the indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is inducted in significant numbers.
