HAL and BEL's Indigenous IRST System for IAF Su-30MKI Fighters Nears Trials

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), two prominent Indian defence companies, are preparing for crucial trials of their jointly developed long-range dual-band infrared search and track (IRST) system for Su-30MKI fighter jets in late 2024. This indigenous IRST system represents a significant stride towards India's self-reliance in critical defence technology for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The IAF intends to equip 84 of its upgraded Su-30MKI aircraft, designated as Super-30 MKI, with this advanced IRST system. These upgraded jets will undergo a local transformation process under the supervision of HAL. Currently, these aircraft rely on Russian-origin IRSTs, highlighting the importance of this indigenous development.

The project received approval from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) under the "Make II" category in May 2018. While the initial timeline aimed for induction between 2018 and 2021, the project faced delays.

The IAF has set demanding specifications for the IRST system, including:

• Long-range IR detection: The system must detect infrared signatures of enemy aircraft at substantial distances.
• Wide field of view (FoV): A large FoV allows pilots to scan a broader area for potential threats.
• High-resolution displays: The IRST should provide pilots with clear, high-resolution infrared (IR) and electro-optical (EO) images for precise target identification.
• Automatic tracking: The system should automatically track air and ground targets, reducing pilot workload.
• 3D localization: An eye-safe laser rangefinder integrated with the IRST will enable accurate 3D target location.

The successful trials and subsequent induction of this IRST system will significantly enhance the IAF's air combat capabilities and reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers for critical technology.

 

[sanket]

Range havent mentioned . what is the Range 150 kM or same as Russian.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Range havent mentioned . what is the Range 150 kM or same as Russian.

150km is too much. Range is usually much less than 100km.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

For tejas mk2, we have developed an IRST system. So, all future aircrafts will probably have indigenous IRST, including the next batch of Tejas mk1a.

 

[sanket]

150km is too much. Range is usually much less than 100km.

current Russian IRST may have under 100 kM Range, India is developing Astra MK2 A2A Missile which may have 150kM plus Range.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

current Russian IRST may have under 100 kM Range, India is developing Astra MK2 A2A Missile which may have 150kM plus Range.

I was talking about IRST system range, not missile range. IRST is not active, like radar. It is a passive system. It has much lower range.

 

[sanket]

I was talking about IRST system range, not missile range. IRST is not active, like radar. It is a passive system. It has much lower range.

i am too talking about Russian IRST Range.if Both IRST are of Same rame Range then what is advantage OF Indigenous Must b better Range than Russian IRST .In Future Super Sukhoi may face stealth Fighter Jets (j-20 / KHAAN)

 

[NSR]

Best wishes for 100% flight tests successes.
Manufacture and Install in every SU-30MKIs and even Mig-29UPGs too.
It will be a great difference maker in tracking enemy ffighters and to intercept them using many of Indian AAMs.
Way to go !!!

 

[AK S]

i am too talking about Russian IRST Range.if Both IRST are of Same rame Range then what is advantage OF Indigenous Must b better Range than Russian IRST .In Future Super Sukhoi may face stealth Fighter Jets (j-20 / KHAAN)

It is far superior to the existing Russian systems. Clearly data is classified and should be. However I'd like to add that the benchmark is OFS on Rafale.

 

[AK S]

For tejas mk2, we have developed an IRST system. So, all future aircrafts will probably have indigenous IRST, including the next batch of Tejas mk1a.

IRST on MK2 is internal one. On MK1A, it is podded. Of course, core tech will be common, but the system itself are not the same.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Upgrade 120+ SU-30MKI jointly with France and arm them with French MBDA -Meteor ,Scalp/Storm shadow missiles !

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

current Russian IRST may have under 100 kM Range, India is developing Astra MK2 A2A Missile which may have 150kM plus Range.

IRST specifications are not out yet , but it will surely be greater than the Russian Equipment that's why we are making an indigenous one

 

[wallisk]

If failed then simply cancel deal and buy Israeli ones asap... Cannot delay upgrades of early 1990 tech's SU30MKI jets...

 

[wallisk]

It is far superior to the existing Russian systems. Clearly data is classified and should be. However I'd like to add that the benchmark is OFS on Rafale.

far superior only on paper final product still not tested yet...

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

If failed then simply cancel deal and buy Israeli ones asap... Cannot delay upgrades of early 1990 tech's SU30MKI jets...

Why? Even F22 is 1990s tech. F35 is 2000s tech. So what? The airframe is the only thing of 1990s. And FBWs which are part of the airframe has not advanced as they are simple controls. All other advanced features are from LRU, avionics & sensors which are modular and can be changed as per needs. This is why even F16, F15 made in 1970s are still being upgraded. Older planes with no FBW based airframes like Mig21 are obsolete as FBW is a critical element. But any plane with FBW is good enough for upgrades

 

[wallisk]

Why? Even F22 is 1990s tech. F35 is 2000s tech. So what? The airframe is the only thing of 1990s. And FBWs which are part of the airframe has not advanced as they are simple controls. All other advanced features are from LRU, avionics & sensors which are modular and can be changed as per needs. This is why even F16, F15 made in 1970s are still being upgraded. Older planes with no FBW based airframes like Mig21 are obsolete as FBW is a critical element. But any plane with FBW is good enough for upgrades

asinine talks... SU30MKI got JAMMED by Porks SEAD planes and could not fire ANY BVRAAM's...

 

[wallisk]

current Russian IRST may have under 100 kM Range, India is developing Astra MK2 A2A Missile which may have 150kM plus Range.

Russian IRST is good for only 50 kms ranges to fire missiles my friend....

 

[Shrujanam Syama]

asinine talks... SU30MKI got JAMMED by Porks SEAD planes and could not fire ANY BVRAAM's...

Seems like you have low IQ or you are a foreign agent who talks trash. Any evidence to say Su30 was jammed or is just your fantasy stories?

 

[Sandeep]

This is a crucial equipment and technology that we needed to design, develop and manufacture it 100% indigenously. India needs to install it on the Tejas MK1A jets which it currently isn’t for some reason but if they can then they should install it as soon as possible. They also need to install it while overhauling and upgrading the Sukhoi jets into the Super Sukhoi program. With the Mig 29 and Mirage 2000 these jets will still be in service for at least 15 years while production for Tejas 2 starts and slowly begin to replace the squadrons.

A IRST system has a broad range of use in jets, naval ships, drones etc which can be passively used to search for incoming threats without alerting your enemy of your position, capabilities, type of weapons it uses etc. This will allow our force to quickly plan and move to an advantageous position along with using modern tactics to destroy the enemy or defend a position, a ship or an important base or camp.

 

[GMR]

asinine talks... SU30MKI got JAMMED by Porks SEAD planes and could not fire ANY BVRAAM's...

Great IQ to believe such a narrative by Porkhs