IAF's Su-30MKI Fleet Gets Homemade Wingtip Electronic Countermeasures Pod, Enhancing Survivability in Contested Environments

In a major boost to India's military capabilities and its push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an advanced, indigenous Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) pod for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30MKI fighter jets.

This new system is designed to significantly improve the aircraft's ability to survive in heavily contested airspace.

The Su-30MKI, which forms the backbone of the IAF's fighter fleet, will now be equipped with these state-of-the-art pods mounted on its wingtips.

Developed by the DRDO's Bengaluru-based Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), this homemade system will replace the original Russian-supplied SAP-518 jammer pods.

The earlier pods were found to be excessively heavy, which restricted the Su-30MKI's agility and flight performance.

The new, lighter pods are specifically designed for the wingtip hardpoints (stations 11 and 12) in a balanced left-right configuration, ensuring they integrate seamlessly without hindering the aircraft's aerodynamics.

At the heart of this new ECM system is cutting-edge technology designed to counter modern radar and missile threats. The pod utilises an Active Phased Array (APA) to precisely focus jamming signals on enemy radar systems, effectively blinding them.

It also incorporates an Ultra-Wide Band Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) system, which can record an enemy's radar signals and transmit back a modified, deceptive signal. This creates false targets, confusing incoming missiles like the AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM and PL-15E, and making it much harder for them to lock onto the actual aircraft.

This technology builds on the proven success of electronic warfare tactics that have previously enabled Su-30MKIs to evade missile attacks.

This development is a key component of the comprehensive "Super Sukhoi" upgrade program, a major initiative to modernise the entire Su-30MKI fleet.

Beyond the new ECM pods, this program includes the integration of the new 'Virupaksha' AESA radar, an advanced Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) named 'Dhruti', and a Dual Colour Missile Approach Warning System (DC-MAWS).

By combining these upgrades, the IAF aims to ensure the Su-30MKI remains a formidable aerial platform, capable of standing its ground against next-generation threats, including stealth aircraft and sophisticated surface-to-air missile systems, for years to come.

 

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[Hawkeye]

We need to buy two more squadrons for Brahmos fit after it’s recent success, to have two dedicated squadrons from fresh frames.

 

[sanket]

Very nice. Once the Super Sukhoi upgrade is completed, it will transform into a super deadly platform combined with a weapon package with upgraded sensors, dual triple pylons, Astra BVR series, cruise missiles like Brahmos/Nirbhay, anti-radiation Rudram series, SAAW, Garuda Gautham bombs, ASRAAM WVR missiles, etc. That means the F-15EX has the least chance in MRFA.

 

[Jabberwock]

This is why upgrades are so important. SU-30MKI has become a powerhouse which is able to detect and evade incoming missiles; it's the backbone of the IAF. And that's also why India needs to obtain the source code of the Rafale, to always keep it up to date.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a very brilliant, complicated and complex achievement that very few countries can develop successfully.

We have now 100% indigenously designed, developed and manufactured our own ECM and it’s now ready to be installed across the entire fleet of Sukhoi jets. We need to start the Super Sukhoi program as soon as possible so that we can overhaul and upgrade most of the technology and equipment on those jets which is over 20 years old.

We should also look at the older jets like the Mig 29, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 jets and see what we can upgrade and install on them. If the jets are still going to be in service for at least 10 years then it’s better to comprehensively upgrade them as well.

 

[Mc Addy]

Real deal is electronic superiority in hitech wars and that somehow we have achieved beyond doubt post May 2025, have to accept this as quantum leap into modern era of warfare technology solidly and surely. Best wishes