HAL Poised to Lead Su-30MKI Upgrade, Eyes Contract Finalization Within a Year

HAL) is set to play a pivotal role in the modernization of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet. HAL Chief C.B. Ananthakrishnan recently revealed that the company will not only participate in the much-anticipated upgrade program but will also lead the integration of indigenous solutions, aligning with India's push for self-reliance in defense technology.

The upgrade program is expected to gain momentum quickly, with HAL already engaging in discussions with relevant stakeholders. Ananthakrishnan anticipates achieving contractual clarity within the next six months, with the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the project already secured. This milestone signifies official approval for the upgrade's necessity and paves the way for contract negotiations following HAL's submission of a quote.

Ananthakrishnan expressed confidence in the program's timeline, aiming for finalization within the next year. This ambitious target suggests streamlined contract negotiations and efficient project execution, underscoring HAL's commitment to delivering the upgraded Su-30MKI fleet promptly.

The upgrade program is of paramount importance for maintaining the IAF's combat edge. Modernizing these fighter jets with cutting-edge avionics, enhanced weapons systems, and potentially indigenous components will ensure their continued effectiveness in the face of evolving security challenges.

HAL's leadership role presents a unique opportunity to showcase its expertise in integrating complex upgrades while fostering the participation of the domestic defense industry.

Additional Information​

• The Su-30MKI is a twinjet multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under license by HAL for the Indian Air Force.
• The upgrade program is expected to include the integration of an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a new electronic warfare suite, improved avionics, and potentially indigenous weapons systems.
• The modernization effort aims to extend the Su-30MKI's operational lifespan and enhance its capabilities to meet the IAF's evolving requirements.

 

[NSR]

"Targeting completion within a year"
Absolutely impossible to do the total upgrade in one year.
Manufacture of 200+ Uttam derivative AESA radars will be a day dreaming project only.
No, not possible, especially by HAL and its work ethics and processes.

Yes, it is possible to develop plans in a year to execute the whole project in a decade time.

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

Nashik Division of HAL has always completed all the projects within the schedule time. Hope they complete this upgrade also in schedule.

 

[Kira]

Sadly the main issues with MKI will continue to fester and plague the IAF in the future with its high maintenance engines plus very high RCS,which will steadily have increased revelance in the region due to adoption of stealthy 5th Gen jets and sophisticated SAM systems.

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

Given HAL track record,It would be a great achievement even if they formulate a plan within this year.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a crucial project that we need to start as fast as possible as the technology is currently very old now. Upgrading the jet with our indigenous technology for the first time is a big achievement and it will improve and increase our lethality. We also need to develop a complete package of air to air and air to surface indigenous missiles so that we don’t need to keep importing very expensive missiles or bombs.

 

[Pink Panther]

Given HAL track record,It would be a great achievement even if they formulate a plan within this year.

one thing HAL’s Nashik division is good at is SU-30.

 

[Pink Panther]

"Targeting completion within a year"
Absolutely impossible to do the total upgrade in one year.
Manufacture of 200+ Uttam derivative AESA radars will be a day dreaming project only.
No, not possible, especially by HAL and its work ethics and processes.

Yes, it is possible to develop plans in a year to execute the whole project in a decade time.

this is the backbone of India, so they will speed up this project before anything else, realistically it will take 3-5 years to upgrade all the jets if all the components are readily available, we need to source all the raw materials and ckd kits from Russia for all the 200 jets at the same time if possible, , also there shouldn’t be any issues sourcing AESA radars, Avionics and other items from local companies, looking at all this it is going to be a herculean task for sure.

 

[NSR]

this is the backbone of India, so they will speed up this project before anything else, realistically it will take 3-5 years to upgrade all the jets if all the components are readily available, we need to source all the raw materials and ckd kits from Russia for all the 200 jets at the same time if possible, , also there shouldn’t be any issues sourcing AESA radars, Avionics and other items from local companies, looking at all this it is going to be a herculean task for sure.

How do you get parts from Russia when it is struggling with its own armaments productions?

 

[Pink Panther]

How do you get parts from Russia when it is struggling with its own armaments productions?

How come we are still getting parts for Kalashnikov’s, MIG’s, SU-30’s and for other Russian items, there is a slight slowdown, it hasn’t halted completely, this war will end sometime this year and things will be back to normal soon.

 

[Akshat]

Nashik Division of HAL has always completed all the projects within the schedule time. Hope they complete this upgrade also in schedule.

Wasn't the Nashik division also in charge of Su30 MKI program? They delayed that. While no actual delivery targets are available, there were targets for indigenization, which are usually linked with the quantity, and they were significantly delayed.

 

[Akshit]

How do you get parts from Russia when it is struggling with its own armaments productions?

Russia produce more weapons after Ukraine war, more than US+Europe combined.

 

[Pink Panther]

This is a crucial project that we need to start as fast as possible as the technology is currently very old now. Upgrading the jet with our indigenous technology for the first time is a big achievement and it will improve and increase our lethality. We also need to develop a complete package of air to air and air to surface indigenous missiles so that we don’t need to keep importing very expensive missiles or bombs.

it will take a while to realize all the individual components needed for the upgrade, we just need patience.

 

[Sandeep]

it will take a while to realize all the individual components needed for the upgrade, we just need patience.

Yes but we shouldn’t delay the essential upgrades that’s necessary to improve our jets lethality and capability. We need a major comprehensive upgrade and we have to start as soon as possible