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.

 

[Philippe Picard]

Yes most probably, right now they are the only Country who couldn’t able sell their product and deperate, so can extract a lot from them, also the engine GE F414 that we will be making is used only by that jet besides F/A-18 that we won’t be buying, also MAdi made a trip to Italy to get TOT from them for the Avionics, so it is confirmed Frenchie’s are out, everything is coming togeter, if selected they will be making atleast 200.

The French, not the Frenchie...Be more polite. There is no moderation against that idiot. A moron who gives no pertinent infomation. The only credible people here is Anant and Akshat. I saw the pseudo "Akshit", probable this idiot "PKPRS" once again.

 

[Philippe Picard]

Next is making S-400 in India, soon the deal is going to be signed.

of course and after that buying the F-35....USA will never sell you their stuff until you dish the Ruskie and of course the "froggies"...You no longer ban me like grandpa NSR? The guy is an american salesman...

 

[tipoo2]

SU-57

They've barely managed to make a bakers dozen production models in the 10 years since its first flight, and I don't think we've ever seen it fly with two of the AL-51 engines that were designed for it, only one of those and one old AL-41 at best and the AL-41 gives it away on IR completely. And now with crippling sanctions on the needed semiconductors who knows what they can make. I'm not a complete hater of the jet if the price was very good and the tech transfers were favourable to India seeing as we're going to have a many year gap with China before we get to AMCA, but its RCS is also barely better than a Rafale which we already have. So overall, the deal would have to be very good, and we'd have to be sure the US wouldn't try to get us with CAATSA.

 

[Akshat]

Day Dream 😴 🛌💭🤔

And you got pay dream.

 

[Akshat]

Can you tell the reason why only F 15 can clear the trails and not SU 35

We already have Su30 MKI. It is being upgraded as well. There is little additional advantage. And for the last decade or so, Indian military hasn't made any new significant purchases either from Russia.

Moreover, IAF has said in the past that it is looking for some fifth gen technologies from the winner of MRFA. Russia possesses no such tech as IAF has rejected Su57. It's tooling tech is far inferior when compared to the west.

 

[Jessica Cheong]

Everyone knows the products made in India always have problems, will it effect the plane crash down since this is the customary of India? Well the time will tell us

 

[Akshat]

Thrown away from the list.

Yes, Su 57 is.