HAL to Lead IAF's Su-30MKI Fleet Upgrade Program with Domestic Focus

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has announced its leading role in a comprehensive upgrade program for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet. This significant development, revealed in HAL's Q4 FY2023-24 earnings report, underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in its defense sector.

As the lead agency, HAL will manage the entire upgrade project, coordinating with various Indian vendors to ensure the successful modernization of the Su-30MKI fleet. The initiative reflects a growing trend of prioritizing indigenous capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

The earnings report confirmed that discussions with potential Indian vendors have already commenced, indicating a proactive approach to the project's timeline. By collaborating with domestic companies, HAL aims to harness the expertise and innovation within India's aerospace and defense industry.

This approach is expected to yield multiple benefits:

• Reduced Dependence on Foreign Suppliers: The upgrade program will significantly decrease India's reliance on foreign entities for critical defense technologies.
• Technological Advancement: Collaboration with local vendors will foster the development and integration of cutting-edge technologies within the Su-30MKI platform.
• Economic Growth: The program will stimulate growth within the Indian aerospace and defense sector, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

HAL's Q4 report indicates an ambitious timeline, with expectations for the program to materialize within the next year. This suggests swift progress in negotiations with vendors and a commitment to expeditious execution.

Reports suggest that the upgrade program will involve integrating advanced avionics, weapons systems, and potentially even indigenous components. The project's anticipated success is poised to strengthen the IAF's fleet and contribute to the overall security of the nation.

 

[Pink Panther]

Good planning, but since HAL is leading, i wish all those involved, good luck with the timelines.

 

[kumar]

Upgrade to almost 5th generation capabilities.

 

[Kira]

Although the Achilles heel of this jet will still remain - A high maintenance engine which needs significant resources and needs lots of downtime.

 

[Aravind Raveendran]

Have been hearing this for a long time; hopefully HAL can surprise us by getting things done within the timeframe.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

With these updates, su30 will be comparable to F22. Hopefully by 2035 all 270can be upgraded with néw engine aswell.

 

[RG]

Hope they refine AL-31FP engine and produce it domestically as well as part of continuous progress in indigenous capability.

 

[Pink Panther]

Upgrade to almost 5th generation capabilities.

that’s the plan, it is going to be little more stealthier than SU-35 something in the lines of F15 silent eagle, Russians have been working on this variant with us for a while.

 

[PRASANTh]

With these updates, su30 will be comparable to F22. Hopefully by 2035 all 270can be upgraded with néw engine aswell.

HAL will soon put out a new release that it is intending to upgrade su30s to GEN6 planes by using bubble gum and straw to reduce weight and RCS.

 

[NSR]

I have been reading the same story again and again since a decade or so but not much progress has been made at all.
And then may be 1/3rd of them are so old, they may not even have any life left in them.

Need to go at WARP SPEED as SU-30MKI is our BIG BOSS in the skies.

 

[Sandeep]

India has been developing a comprehensive upgrade program for a long time and to upgrade the jet entirely with new radars, EW, RWR, jet computer, software, LCD display panels, head up display, engine improvements, new wiring, indigenous flares etc etc. We need to start implementing and installing this modern technology, parts, components and sensors as soon as possible as our technology is over 20 years old and even though the jets technology and combat capabilities are still really good we need to install the upgrade so we can get some advantage against China.

 

[Pad UwU]

This is long been delayed and need immediate support of upgrading.... IMHO India need more dirty cheap su30mki super version with brahmos NG/Astra latest version in future to secure our aerospace beyond the horizon or visual range 😸

 

[Pad UwU]

Upgrade to almost 5th generation capabilities.

Stealthy???
LMAO RAM coating is very expensive and needed maintenance everytime you fly it...
Su30 will need a new engine with a serrated nozzle for that.
And we can't even customize the edges of it's every part because it might hinder it's aerodynamic for stealthiness kakakakak 😹😹😹 without any real assistance from the Russian

 

[Pad UwU]

that’s the plan, it is going to be little more stealthier than SU-35 something in the lines of F15 silent eagle, Russians have been working on this variant with us for a while.

If our government is willing to pay Russian for assistance... But it's already been too long and delayed

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

We should take help from France and Israel to upgarde Su-30MKI we want Su-30MKI armed with Meteor, Scalp/ Storm shadow missiles along with BrahMos, NG, Astra-II. Astra-III ! It must not be seen on enemy radar, apply plasma coating !

 

[shauryaman65]

Upgrade to almost 5th generation capabilities.

More like 4.5 gen capabilities

 

[shauryaman65]

With these updates, su30 will be comparable to F22. Hopefully by 2035 all 270can be upgraded with néw engine aswell.

lmao no

 

[liam jason]

The decision for HAL to lead the upgrade of the IAF's Su-30MKI fleet with a domestic focus is a significant step towards self-reliance in defense technology. By leveraging indigenous capabilities, India can enhance operational readiness and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. This move also promises to boost the local aerospace industry and create skilled jobs.

 

[oliver889]

The decision for HAL to lead the upgrade of the IAF's Su-30MKI fleet with a domestic focus is a significant step towards self-reliance in defense technology. By leveraging indigenous capabilities, India can enhance operational readiness and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. This move also promises to boost the local aerospace industry and create skilled jobs.

What’s cool is this could pave the way for more homegrown projects down the road too, so we might see even more upgrades or new systems being developed in-house.