Why IAF's 4-5 Su-30MKI Squadrons Will Remain Operational Until 2070 Despite Having Tejas and AMCA

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a transformative journey, modernizing its fighter fleet by phasing out older Russian jets and embracing indigenously developed aircraft. While the Tejas and the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) are poised to play pivotal roles, the Su-30MKI is set to remain a cornerstone of the IAF's aerial prowess for decades to come.

The retirement of the MiG-21Bis and the gradual phasing out of the MiG-29UPG mark the beginning of this transition. These legacy aircraft will be replaced by the Tejas Mk1A and MkII, respectively, showcasing India's growing self-reliance in fighter jet development.

However, the Su-30MKI, a formidable multirole fighter with a proven track record, will continue to serve as the IAF's primary workhorse. With the latest batches inducted relatively recently, the IAF anticipates at least 4-5 Su-30MKI squadrons remaining operational until 2060-70. Upgrades and modernization programs will ensure these aircraft remain combat-effective for years to come.

This extended service life for the Su-30MKI underscores its significance in the IAF's modernization strategy. While the Tejas and AMCA represent the future, the Su-30MKI's capabilities and versatility make it indispensable in the interim. It bridges the gap between legacy platforms and the next generation of indigenous fighters, providing the IAF with a potent and reliable air combat capability.

The phasing out of older Russian jets and the prolonged service life of the Su-30MKI, alongside the induction of Tejas variants, exemplify the IAF's evolving approach to fleet modernization. This strategic shift not only reduces dependence on foreign suppliers but also strengthens India's domestic aerospace industry.

As the IAF embraces the future with the Tejas and AMCA, the Su-30MKI's continued presence ensures a seamless transition and a formidable fighter fleet for the decades ahead. This balanced approach, combining indigenous development with strategic reliance on proven platforms, positions the IAF for a secure and self-reliant future.

 

[desigandu]

I agree, even MRFA could be SU-57 or SU-75 made in India, it will be better than spending $20Bln for 4th gen jet.

Russian fighters are primarily not state of the art especially when India has access to US maal - of course with strings attached…

 

[Akshat]

Then why did iaf buy the su 30 and mig 29 mig 21 mig 25 in the first place? If they domt like russian junk.

They haven’t bought anything new from them for the last 2 decades, have they? The tech they bought was developed by USSR. Russia has fallen behind.

 

[anjoo sharat singh]

Flying Tejas on imported GE Engines from US, needs a review. Because as long Tejas are flying on imported, it is as good as imported aircraft. We also need to understand, if strategic/ critical weapons are imported, it can have serious consequences affecting national security. Any deficiency or shortage can impede security related decisions on our part. Moreover why to give a chance to a foreign supplier to exploit us, if there is an urgent exigency at our national borders ? So it was high time we went for full indegenisation of Tejas. We ought to build our own kaveri engine.

 

[Pink Panther]

Russian fighters are primarily not state of the art especially when India has access to US maal - of course with strings attached…

We have tech or can borrow tech from Israel or others to make them State of the art for less price.

 

[desigandu]

We have tech or can borrow tech from Israel or others to make them State of the art for less price.

Then what is the delay for? If we could we should have? I am for aatmanirbharta but don’t want to wait till 2050…The only viable way to plug critical gaps by 2030 is Rafales and F-35s at a huge expense $30-50billion say over 10 years…both the French and Americans will play ball, ask for a lot of money and attach strings/mostly US, but that is real-politik…

 

[Pink Panther]

Then what is the delay for? If we could we should have? I am for aatmanirbharta but don’t want to wait till 2050…The only viable way to plug critical gaps by 2030 is Rafales and F-35s at a huge expense $30-50billion say over 10 years…both the French and Americans will play ball, ask for a lot of money and attach strings/mostly US, but that is real-politik…

We won't get F35 as long as we have S400(.), we can't spend $30-$35mln on a 4th gen platform, that is nonsense, the only option is to get a 5th gen basic barebones jet and improvise to make it high tech.

 

[RTNG]

After suucess of Building Small & Medium Fighters India should Develop Heavy category Fighter

Yes build SU-57 by L&T, we don't want to spend $50Bln for an obsolete tech with an even obsolete slow engine, either doi it ourselves or build others, F15 could also be build if offered for an attractive price with attractive loan terms.

 

[desigandu]

We won't get F35 as long as we have S400(.), we can't spend $30-$35mln on a 4th gen platform, that is nonsense, the only option is to get a 5th gen basic barebones jet and improvise to make it high tech.

The Americans will overlook and deal with S-400s, this is India not Turkey…And Russias stealth planes a joke as compared to the US even with everything in the public domain…also this is not 1990 but 2024 so the great game is between US and China only, the rest will take sides…I agree India not be a treaty ally of the west, but it will have to deepen cooperation for supply chains, high technology for rapid economic development - there is no other viable path that can deliver a$25T GDP by 2050…

 

[jayasree plantations]

HAL is the partner for Boeing. We can’t afford to pay $800 millions usd for each F15EX full lifetime ops costs..

Boeing planes and the spacecraft Starliner are duds .. so don't go near them .. see the flight safety record of the French jaguar aircraft .. our first DPSA ..

 

[KVS]

However much, SU 30 MKI looks promising, I don't think it's right to speculate having them for for another 30-40 years from now. With the rapid development of technology, we can't even speculate about having AMCA MK1 /F-35 during that time. The galloping AI might overturn even Sixth generation aircrafts by that date.
Who knows, Flying Saucers doing Mac 10 might become the order of the day!🙂