IAF Sets Sight on Future Air-Launched Hypersonic Missiles for Su-30MKI Fleet

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is not resting on its laurels after successfully integrating the BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missile onto its Su-30MKI fighter jets. The focus has now shifted to an even more ambitious goal: equipping the fleet with air-launched hypersonic missiles, marking a significant leap in India's air power capabilities.

The successful modification of over 20 Su-30MKIs to carry the 2.5-ton BrahMos-A has paved the way for further advancements. The IAF is actively exploring the integration of air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBMs) and hypersonic cruise missiles, such as the BrahMos-II, which is currently under development.

Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), are game-changers in modern warfare due to their incredible speed and maneuverability, making them extremely difficult to intercept. By integrating these cutting-edge weapons onto the Su-30MKI platform, the IAF aims to significantly enhance its long-range strike capabilities and deterrence.

The Su-30MKI's robust centerline hardpoints, designed to handle heavy payloads, make it an ideal candidate for carrying these advanced missiles. The IAF's vision is to transform these fighter jets into "mini-strategic bombers," capable of delivering devastating strikes with precision and speed.

The integration of hypersonic missiles onto the Su-30MKI fleet is a complex undertaking that will require extensive testing and development. However, the IAF is confident in its ability to overcome these challenges and achieve this strategic goal.

With the BrahMos-A already enhancing the IAF's long-range strike capabilities, the addition of hypersonic missiles would further solidify India's position as a regional power with a formidable air force. As the world witnesses a new era of hypersonic weapons, India is determined to not only keep pace but also lead the way in this critical domain.

Additional Information​

The Indian government recently approved a significant upgrade program for 85 Su-30MKI fighter jets, which includes integrating advanced avionics and weapons systems. This initiative is expected to further enhance the Su-30MKI's combat capabilities and its ability to carry and deploy a wider range of missiles, potentially including hypersonic variants in the future.

 

[NSR]

Because fast shrinking squadron size and impending retirements of all Mig-21s and Jaguars, India should order additional 12 SU-30MKIs to replenish the lost ones and also 21 half finished Mig-29s and finish their bodies in Russia and equip them with Indian and Israel avionics and Indian made RD-33MKs at IAF BRDs where Mig-29s are upgraded to Mig-29UPGs.

This is the quickest way to get about 1.5 squadrons which can deliver most of Indian missiles and armaments.

Something is better than nothing.

 

[sanket]

poised to become Mini-strategic Bombers(with plans to Integrate Future Air Launch Ballistic Missile & Hypersonic AMCMs like Brahmos-II & More Heavy weapons may b integrated Like kinzal Missile , Nirbhay Air Launch version) for that Super Sukhoi upgrade package needs Al-41 Engine with more thrust than Al-31.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

We should make additional 80+ Super SU-30MKI . Upgrade 100+ SU-30 with France to integrate MBDA missiles and rest of fighters with home efforts and also fit R-37 missiles, Astra-II, Astra-III and BrahMos-NG !

 

[Pramkumar]

IAF should develop ORCA as replacement for SU30mki

 

[Baiju Bhaskaran]

HAL Nashik doing a good job in upgrading the Sukhoi. We should order atleast four additional squadrons of super Sukhoi.

 

[Anant]

IAF should develop ORCA as replacement for SU30mki

Let them focus on what they have on their plate first: Tejas Mk 1A, Tejas Mk 2, and AMCA. A replacement for the Su-30MKI can come once some of these programs are past the developmental stage.

 

[Anant]

HAL Nashik doing a good job in upgrading the Sukhoi. We should order atleast four additional squadrons of super Sukhoi.

No point. While the additional numbers would be a plus, that would come at the cost of an even more disturbed force balance, which doesn't help operational matters.

 

[Sandeep]

These large Brahmos missile would be ideal to strike large naval ships as it can have a large warhead which can destroy the ship. We also need to develop the Brahmos NG so that we can install it on all of our other jets as the size and weight is much lower than the larger Brahmos original missile.

But we need to focus on developing air launched hypersonic and subsonic cruise missile like the ITCM so we can increase our air coverage range and fire power. These are two critical missiles that we need to develop as they are essential.

 

[Tanishq Bafila]

Because fast shrinking squadron size and impending retirements of all Mig-21s and Jaguars, India should order additional 12 SU-30MKIs to replenish the lost ones and also 21 half finished Mig-29s and finish their bodies in Russia and equip them with Indian and Israel avionics and Indian made RD-33MKs at IAF BRDs where Mig-29s are upgraded to Mig-29UPGs.

This is the quickest way to get about 1.5 squadrons which can deliver most of Indian missiles and armaments.

Something is better than nothing.

I don't think the option to buy 21 Mig-29 is still available, due to the Russia-Ukraine war..