IAF Eyes 20 More Su-30MKIs to Get BrahMos-A Upgrade, Doubling Strike Capability

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to enhance its aerial firepower with plans to expedite the conversion of an additional 20 Su-30MKI fighter jets, equipping them with the formidable BrahMos-A Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM).

The BrahMos-A ALCM stands out as one of the deadliest Air to Surface weapon system in the world, boasting a range of 450km and blistering Mach 3 speed. Its precision strike capabilities and unparalleled speed make it a formidable asset for India’s air defense arsenal, capable of neutralizing high-value targets with swift and decisive precision.

HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), a premier aerospace and defense company in India, has been entrusted with the crucial task of hardening the fuselage of the Su-30MKI to accommodate the BrahMos-A ALCM. By reinforcing the aircraft’s structure and integrating specialized mounting systems, HAL ensures that the Su-30MKI can effectively carry and deploy the 2.5-ton BrahMos-A missile from its centerline hardpoint.

With approximately 40 Su-30MKIs already equipped to carry the BrahMos-A ALCM, the IAF is poised to significantly expand its strike capabilities and operational flexibility in both offensive and defensive roles.

Securing funds for the conversion of the Su-30MKI fleet and the procurement of additional BrahMos-A missiles remains a top priority for the IAF as it seeks to bolster its combat readiness and modernize its fleet of fighter aircraft. The integration of the BrahMos-A ALCM not only enhances the Su-30MKI’s lethality but also reinforces India’s deterrence posture, sending a strong message of preparedness and resolve to potential adversaries.

 

[RG]

SU30 MKI is a good platform, that should be continuously upgraded with new feature to maintain its edge. India must learn by continuosly maturing this product, Since most of it is produced in India. I would say add more of it, if LCA cannot be produced in numbers, LCA and MKI should should shoulder on bulk of the capability, if US cannot supply enough GE engine, India should look to produce additional 20 MKI of super Sukhoi standard. Deploy it in Lakhsdeep and Andaman and Nicolar, find another Island and deploy it there as well. does India have a Island between Andaman, Laksdweep, then develop that too.

 

[GMR]

Excellent initiative 👍

 

[Ayyadurai Namasivayam]

This is waste . Because brahmos is a costlier missile. Russian technology is obsolete. We should go only with our indigenous missile or we should get from Israel or france which they have hypersonic cruise missiles. Only these two countries are leading in missiles. No other countries have hypersonic missiles. Since TOT is more important we should get cruise missiles from either france or Isreal with 100% TOT.

 

[Pink Panther]

India should look to produce additional 20 MKI of super Sukhoi standard.

Now 20 more new SU-30’s from 11 originally planned?

 

[Danesh Irani]

Need to not only deploy Brahmos capable SuMKI but simultaneously include the AESA radar, upgraded avionics, new better EW suites and new upgraded engines if required to keep it the top notch knockout punch for anyone trying anything to provoke us.
Supply the SE Asian countries the where with hall to give the Chinese some food for thought. This will help them gain confidence and we get more dependable friends in our backyard

 

[RG]

Now 20 more new SU-30’s from 11 originally planned?

When you cannot increase the production of LCA due to unavailability of Engines, make up the numbers by producing more SU30MKI, in addition add to Rafale squadran and close the MRFA circus.

 

[Sunnyj]

Still can’t take on the J20 imho. We need AMCA/F35/Su57.

 

[Sandeep]

Still can’t take on the J20 imho. We need AMCA/F35/Su57.

Chinese jets are much inferior and their technology is unreliable, faulty and riddled with problems so. Our jets can already see and track their jets along the border so they have no advantage really.

 

[Sandeep]

India needs to convert these jets so that it increases our fire power capability. They should do this while they manufacture those extra Sukhoi jets so that it's easier and it doesn't take away those jets from being in active service and down for maintenance. This is why it's essential that we quickly develop the Brahmos NG which is much lighter and smaller which we can use on all of other jets.

 

[nakul1307]

Now 20 more new SU-30’s from 11 originally planned?

20 upgrades

 

[nakul1307]

Chinese jets are much inferior and their technology is unreliable, faulty and riddled with problems so. Our jets can already see and track their jets along the border so they have no advantage really.

Agree on quality, but that tracking doesn't prove anything as 5th gens keep radar sign on to hide rcs during non combat sorties

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Power these 60+ SU-30MKI BrahMos carriers with AL-41 engines !

 

[Sandeep]

Agree on quality, but that tracking doesn't prove anything as 5th gens keep radar sign on to hide rcs during non combat sorties

Chinese don’t really have a 5th gen jet. Our jets can see their planes from their IR.