IAF's Su-30MKI Fleet to Get DRDO's New 64-bit Mission Computer under "Super-30" Program, Elevating Capabilities to Near 5th-Gen

The Indian Air Force's (IAF) formidable Su-30MKI fleet, the backbone of its fighter squadrons, is set to undergo a transformative upgrade with the integration of a new indigenous 64-bit mission computer.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this enhancement is a core part of the "Super-30" program, designed to elevate the jet's combat capabilities to near fifth-generation levels and ensure its dominance in the skies for decades to come.

The Su-30MKI, which constitutes the largest portion of the IAF's fighter fleet with approximately 272 aircraft in service, has long been a versatile and powerful platform.

However, its original mission computer, developed in 1998, operates on a 32-bit architecture. While robust for its time, modern advancements in avionics and the complexities of network-centric warfare have rendered the older system a performance bottleneck.

This crucial upgrade will be spearheaded by the Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), a premier DRDO laboratory.

The new system, a state-of-the-art Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC), is built on a Quadraplex PowerPC-based 64-bit architecture. This represents a monumental leap in processing power, enabling the aircraft to handle complex computations, advanced radar data, and sensor fusion far more efficiently.

The enhanced computational power is critical for modern aerial combat.

It will allow the Su-30MKI to seamlessly integrate and manage sophisticated systems, including a new indigenous 'Virupaksha' Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare suites, and a new arsenal of long-range precision-guided munitions.

This ability to process vast amounts of data from multiple sources and present a clear, unified picture to the pilot—a key feature of 5th-generation aircraft—will significantly improve situational awareness and decision-making speed in contested environments.

In a key assurance of reliability, the software for the new mission computer adheres to the DO-178C Level-A safety standard, the highest international benchmark for aviation software. This compliance ensures the system's stability and robust performance during the most critical phases of a mission.

DARE has leveraged its extensive experience from developing advanced avionics for India's indigenous Tejas Mk1, Mk1A, and Mk2 fighters to create the new computer for the Su-30MKI.

The organisation has stated that the performance of the new DFCC is designed to be superior even to the systems developed for the Tejas, tailored specifically for the demanding requirements of a heavy multirole fighter like the Sukhoi.

The "Super-30" program aims to modernise an initial batch of 84 Su-30MKI jets, extending their operational life and ensuring they remain a versatile and lethal platform capable of executing air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare missions effectively against current and future threats.

This indigenous upgrade marks a significant step in India's self-reliance in critical defence technologies and its commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced air force.

 

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[R. Singh]

Arm Su-30 with latest gen EW suite and Sensors, Rafael made BVRAAMs, R-35M and Astra-II !

 

[Vishwanath Vijay Thomre]

Super 30, what a game changer this could be when all the SU 30 gets converted to Super 30. All the more reason why IAF should definitely opt for the golden package on offer from Russia: SU57 (complete package ToT, source code, Make in India), SU35M through MRFA contract and the jet engines that are on offer particularly Izdeliye 177S take and replace GE engines for Tejas and AMCA. These platforms are very well known to IAF and just imagine the brute force they will have 2-3 years down the line. Along with this we will have substantial amount of Tejas jets. AMCA if every thing goes as per expectations that will be the gigantic leap for IAF. No doubt in coming 5 years we will surely have a more strong and formidable military to be recognized. But the major road block is does GOI, MoD, India armed forces think in the same parallel that we keep on chirping through this platform, this remains the unresolved question. Lets hope commonsense prevails and we really enter in to some kind of deal as there is no use of the offers if no physical work is done to make it in to reality. Bureaucracy needs to be stopped when question come of countries safeguarding and national interest.

 

[indigenous_29]

Super 30, what a game changer this could be when all the SU 30 gets converted to Super 30. All the more reason why IAF should definitely opt for the golden package on offer from Russia: SU57 (complete package ToT, source code, Make in India), SU35M through MRFA contract and the jet engines that are on offer particularly Izdeliye 177S take and replace GE engines for Tejas and AMCA. These platforms are very well known to IAF and just imagine the brute force they will have 2-3 years down the line. Along with this we will have substantial amount of Tejas jets. AMCA if every thing goes as per expectations that will be the gigantic leap for IAF. No doubt in coming 5 years we will surely have a more strong and formidable military to be recognized. But the major road block is does GOI, MoD, India armed forces think in the same parallel that we keep on chirping through this platform, this remains the unresolved question. Lets hope commonsense prevails and we really enter in to some kind of deal as there is no use of the offers if no physical work is done to make it in to reality. Bureaucracy needs to be stopped when question come of countries safeguarding and national interest.

After spending billions of dollars in Rafale it won't make sense to buy Su-35 under MRFA now. Either they would proceed with remaining 114 Rafales under domestic manufacturing, or they would split MRFA budget, buying 2-3 squadrons of Rafales(G2G) and 2-3 squadrons of a Fifth Gen Fighter(SU 57 or F-35A), second option seeming more plausible.

 

[sanket]

An AL-41 or AL-51 derivative with 70% commonality with AL-41 should be considered for the Super Sukhoi upgrade. In the future, many heavy weapons are likely to be integrated onto it: Hypersonic, Nirbhay, and also Brahmos-NG lightweight variants, which the Super Sukhoi can carry up to 3 to 4 under its wings. Lots of "fools" should read the article; it's an eye-opener for them. It's a Russian platform being upgraded with indigenous systems/tech, and a mission computer. This is what Dassault should allow for its Rafale too, as it is denying sharing of source code not only for system/weapon integration autonomy, but with this, Bharat can integrate any system/weapons, whether indigenous or third-party, on the Super Sukhoi without OEM help. With the indigenous upgrade, the Super Sukhoi will be transformed into a 4.5 Gen fighter jet; only the airframe remains. By the time the Gandiva missile enters production, the R-37 should be considered with local license production for the Super Sukhoi as a BVR missile that will outrange and dominate the sky.

 

[VF VF1]

Order one squadron of 20 more Sukhois, and then you will see Dassault will share the source code of the Rafale for weapon integration.

 

[Radha Ramanan]

It's a very good achievement. The future warfare requires immense computing power when it integrates AI also. That's the advantage you get designing your own milspec hardware. We have to follow the latest ways of avionic computing that is spearheaded by Saab on the JAS 39 fighter. That's the fighter we have to try to emulate, comparing it with the LCA series. The avionics hardware and software are all modular, i.e., each can be taken out at a further date and a more powerful one can be installed, which makes it future-proof. I don't know of any modern fighter that has been built ground up following this concept. The F-35 has millions and millions of lines of code, and I believe it is not modular; each upgrade takes a hell of a lot of time and energy. I hope the designers have taken that into account in the LCA Mk2 series at least.

What surprises me is that the Russians have allowed us to make the DFCC (Digital Flight Control Computer) because the FBW software is Russian, and it has to run on an Indian-made computer. I hope the news is correct.

Russia is going to bleed us and try to rip us off in the Su-30MKI upgrade as much as possible as everything is dependent on them. New engines, avionics, weapons, sensors all together will nearly cost as much as a new fighter, but that's the price you pay. Russia also cannot say no as it is going to get a lot of money which it badly needs.

I would liken it to building a new fighter and test flying it. Russia will be involved in test flying the new upgrade in Gromov Flight Test Center as it is their IPR and won't certify it otherwise. They will know practically everything of the upgrade.

 

[op gupta]

Super Sukhoi would be almost like a 5th-gen fighter aircraft; the only issue would be the engine.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a very good achievement and something that we definitely needed and to be in our control. Now we can modify or upgrade it in future as well which will give us more autonomy from Russia and we won’t have to pay for any expensive service support from them.

 

[Hawkeye]

Al-41 or project 117’s engine would be nice.

 

[Sivbal]

Likewise ...If we replace the mission computer of the Dassault Mirage aircraft, it would give us the flexibility to integrate our own weapons. However, doing so might lead France to withdraw support for engine and airframe maintenance — and the same likely applies to the Rafale. In any case, the MRFA procurement should ideally be the last time we sign a contract with a foreign OEM for a complete fighter aircraft.

 

[sujith sudhakaran]

Super Sukhoi would be almost like a 5th-gen fighter aircraft; the only issue would be the engine.

No amount of upgrade will turn a 4th-gen into a 5th-gen or even a near 5th-gen fighter. The best you can get is 4++.

 

[Sudha]

Order one squadron of 20 more Sukhois, and then you will see Dassault will share the source code of the Rafale for weapon integration.

Simple thinking. It will be a wonder if DA gives source code on which it has spent a lot, and that too for a mere 20 Su-30s. Really?

 

[Parveen Gahlot]

Al-41 or project 117’s engine would be nice.

We rejected these engines for SU-30, but even I would support getting any of these engines.

 

[Hawkeye]

We rejected these engines for SU-30, but even I would support getting any of these engines.

There is news recently saying that we have started discussions with Russia regarding the AL-41F1 engine.

 

[Samej Jangir]

It's a very good achievement. The future warfare requires immense computing power when it integrates AI also. That's the advantage you get designing your own milspec hardware. We have to follow the latest ways of avionic computing that is spearheaded by Saab on the JAS 39 fighter. That's the fighter we have to try to emulate, comparing it with the LCA series. The avionics hardware and software are all modular, i.e., each can be taken out at a further date and a more powerful one can be installed, which makes it future-proof. I don't know of any modern fighter that has been built ground up following this concept. The F-35 has millions and millions of lines of code, and I believe it is not modular; each upgrade takes a hell of a lot of time and energy. I hope the designers have taken that into account in the LCA Mk2 series at least.

What surprises me is that the Russians have allowed us to make the DFCC (Digital Flight Control Computer) because the FBW software is Russian, and it has to run on an Indian-made computer. I hope the news is correct.

Russia is going to bleed us and try to rip us off in the Su-30MKI upgrade as much as possible as everything is dependent on them. New engines, avionics, weapons, sensors all together will nearly cost as much as a new fighter, but that's the price you pay. Russia also cannot say no as it is going to get a lot of money which it badly needs.

I would liken it to building a new fighter and test flying it. Russia will be involved in test flying the new upgrade in Gromov Flight Test Center as it is their IPR and won't certify it otherwise. They will know practically everything of the upgrade.

First of all, who told you that FBW is Russian? FBW is not a very strategic or complex algorithm, as it is just about balancing the plane and making it fly efficiently. It has been transferred to or learned by India. The Su-30 is fully made in India and doesn't need any Russian assistance as of now.

As for being modular, it is not possible to be modular as that is inefficient. If we speak of modular technology, where different versions or types of equipment can be attached, then it is impossible. If we speak of modular parts where one part can be removed for repairs, then it makes it heavy and wastes space.

 

[Samej Jangir]

Super Sukhoi would be almost like a 5th-gen fighter aircraft; the only issue would be the engine.

The airframe will never be stealthy, but in terms of sensors, it can have high capability and make it 4.5 gen.

 

[Parveen Gahlot]

There is news recently saying that we have started discussions with Russia regarding the AL-41F1 engine.

AL-51 is more closer to AL-31 instead of AL-41.

 

[Samej Jangir]

Al-41 or project 117’s engine would be nice.

What purpose will AL-41 serve? Su-30 already has 10 tons of internal fuel and 10 tons of payload capacity. Even electrical generation is high with twin AL-31F generating 80kN dry thrust each and with appropriately sized generators, can easily make 100+kW peak electrical power. Why do you need a bigger engine?

 

[VF VF1]

Simple thinking. It will be a wonder if DA gives source code on which it has spent a lot, and that too for a mere 20 Su-30s. Really?

The question is not a 20 Su-30 MKI order... the fear for D&A would be orders in queue: 110 engines, MRFA, weapons on Su-30, export hijack. Think bigger.

 

[sanjiv]

What purpose will AL-41 serve? Su-30 already has 10 tons of internal fuel and 10 tons of payload capacity. Even electrical generation is high with twin AL-31F generating 80kN dry thrust each and with appropriately sized generators, can easily make 100+kW peak electrical power. Why do you need a bigger engine?

We will need an engine with less maintenance and good MTBF.

 

[Nahian Ramim]

What purpose will AL-41 serve? Su-30 already has 10 tons of internal fuel and 10 tons of payload capacity. Even electrical generation is high with twin AL-31F generating 80kN dry thrust each and with appropriately sized generators, can easily make 100+kW peak electrical power. Why do you need a bigger engine?

The AL-31FP of the Su-30MKI has a lifespan of 2,000 hours. The AL-41 has 4,000 hours, and the Izdeliye 177S has 6,000 hours. Not to mention, the AL-31FP has 122 kN compared to 142-144 kN of the AL-41 and 177S, which will make the Su-30MKI capable of supercruise and provide more power to the radar. You should be asking what benefit the Su-30MKI will not get.

 

[Nahian Ramim]

AL-51 is more closer to AL-31 instead of AL-41.

AL-51 is a whole different engine, and AL-51 is not for export. Even the Su-57E comes with Izdeliye 117S.

 

[Samej Jangir]

The AL-31FP of the Su-30MKI has a lifespan of 2,000 hours. The AL-41 has 4,000 hours, and the Izdeliye 177S has 6,000 hours. Not to mention, the AL-31FP has 122 kN compared to 142-144 kN of the AL-41 and 177S, which will make the Su-30MKI capable of supercruise and provide more power to the radar. You should be asking what benefit the Su-30MKI will not get.

Why do you think the same engine can't be improved by using better technology alloy? AL-31F originally used directionally solidified alloy for blades, which can be replaced with single crystal alloy which India has developed. There is no need to change the entire engine as that would need some modification to the airframe and lower fuel efficiency (bigger engines consume more fuel).

 

[Samej Jangir]

We will need an engine with less maintenance and good MTBF.

AL-31F is much cheaper than AL-41F. Some parts, like directionally solidified alloy blades, can be replaced with single crystal alloy blades, which should resolve the issue. Why do unnecessary extra work of replacing engines, modifying airframes to fit bigger engines, and losing fuel efficiency, etc.?