India eyeing to upgrade Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet to fill MiG-21 gap: Report

With the final exit of MiG-21s last month, India is reportedly going ahead with the programme to upgrade the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet . An Indian Express report stated that the move is coming at a time when the exit of MiG-21s brought down the IAF fighter squadron strength to 29, as against the sanctioned 42.

It is pertinent to note that the Su-30MKI upgrade programme, also referred to as the Super Sukhoi programme, is touted as a major midlife upgrade programme which has the potential to increase the service life of the fighter jet by 20 years.

Officials close to the matter told The Indian Express that the upgradation proposal is being examined by the Ministry of Defence, and efforts are underway to fast-track its movement to the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) for its approval. “It is currently being examined by the Ministry of Defence. Efforts are on to send it soon to the CCS for its sanction for the design and development phase,” a senior official who asked to remain anonymous told The Indian Express.

The official noted that the upgradation would include a new cockpit, avionics, radars and IR sensors, a new electronic warfare suite including jammer pods. Sources reportedly said that the programme is close to being finalised. Once it receives the CCS sanction, state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will set a timeline to deliver the aircraft’s initial operational clearance (IOC) version in five years and the final operational clearance (FOC) version in seven years after the CCS nod.

Why it matters

The timing of the upgradation matters, given the IAF’s dwindling fighter squadron strength, which straight away went to 29 after the MiG-21s retired last month. The IAF currently has a sanctioned fighter squadron strength of 42. Apart from this, the Indian Air Force is yet to receive delivery of any of the 83 Light Combat Aircraft Tejas Mk1A from HAL, The Indian Express reported.

In November 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved an Acceptance of Necessity for the upgradation of Su-30MKI aircraft indigenously from HAL. In December last year, the DAC accorded an Acceptance of Necessity for the procurement of the Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS), which comprises External Airborne Self Protection Jammer pods, Next Generation Radar Warning Receiver and associated equipment for the Su-30MKI.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the system is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of the Su-30MKI and protect it from enemy radars and related weapon systems. Last year, the DAC also gave a nod for the overhaul of the engines of the Su-30MKI, which will enhance service life.