Sukhoi Su-30 MKI:₹60,000 Crore Transformation Revealed

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India’s Sukhoi Su-30 MKI undergoes a monumental ₹60,000 crore upgrade, boosting its capabilities with indigenous technology. Led by HAL and supported by DRDO, the project signifies a significant leap in India’s defence manufacturing prowess.

The backbone of the Indian Air Force, the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, is set for a major upgrade led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), supported by DRDO and indigenous private firms. Approved by the Defence Acquisition Council, the project signals a significant step in enhancing the aircraft’s capabilities under Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh’s leadership.

In a decade-long effort, the upgrade process unfolds in two phases. Initially, 90 Sukhoi fighter aircraft will receive indigenously developed avionics and radar systems, paving the way for modern Electronic Warfare and Infrared search and track systems. Subsequently, the flight control systems will be enhanced, augmenting air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting and destruction capabilities.

With a budget of ₹60,000 crore ($7.5B), as confirmed by HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director CB Ananthakrishnan, the project emphasises substantial private sector involvement, with HAL leading integration efforts. This initiative is poised to boost the Indian private sector, with up to 50% of the project’s content sourced locally, aligning with the “Make in India” initiative and promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Furthermore, the project lays the groundwork for potential upgrades involving the Rudram-1 Next Generation Anti-Radiation Missiles (NGARM), showcased in a successful 2020 test. This initiative not only modernises the Su-30 MKI fleet but also positions India as a hub for indigenous defence technology innovation.

As a joint venture between India and Russia, the upgrade process will replace Russian-origin components with indigenous alternatives. This opens doors for other nations operating Sukhoi aircraft to pursue similar upgrades, leveraging Indian expertise in defence hardware. Additionally, it presents opportunities for India to export indigenous technology to friendly nations operating Sukhoi aircraft, fostering collaboration in the global defence sector.

With India currently possessing 272 Sukhoi Su-30 MKIs and 12 more on order, the upgrade initiative not only bolsters national security but also propels India towards self-sufficiency in defence manufacturing and strengthens its position as a global defence exporter.