Super Sukhoi Upgrade of 84 Su-30MKI: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited chief D.K. Sunil has said that the government is close to giving final approval for upgrading 84 Su-30MKI fighter jets. The clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security is expected very soon, possibly in the next few months. This decision is important because these jets are the main strength of India’s air power and are used in many kinds of missions.
Mr Sunil explained that most of the hard work is already done. HAL worked closely with the Indian Air Force, DRDO, and other agencies to decide exactly what changes the jets will get. Now the plan is fixed and only paperwork and final checks are left before the deal is approved.
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Turning the Jets into a “Super Sukhoi”
Once approval comes, the upgrade work is expected to move fast. Mr Sunil believes the final go-ahead could arrive in about two months. The Su-30MKI jets have been flying for many years and many of them are now more than ten years old. To keep them strong and ready for future threats, this upgrade is very important, especially as electronic warfare and long-range weapons are becoming more advanced.
This project is often called the “Super Sukhoi” programme. It is expected to cost between ₹60,000 and ₹65,000 crore. The idea is to turn these jets into much more powerful machines, close to 4.5+ generation fighters, reported Defence.in. With new systems, the jets will be able to see farther, strike better, and protect themselves more effectively in modern combat.
Indian Technology
The old radar will be replaced with the Virupaksha AESA radar, which is built in India. This new radar can detect targets about 1.5 to 1.7 times farther than before. The jets will also get Indian missiles like Astra Mk-1 and Mk-2 and Rudram weapons. A new Indian electronic warfare system will help protect the aircraft from enemy radars and jamming. Inside the cockpit, pilots will get bigger digital screens and a faster Indian mission computer.
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HAL’s Nashik facility will lead the upgrade work. This factory has been building and repairing Su-30MKI jets for years so it is fully ready. According to HAL, the work can begin as soon as the government gives the “green light.” Once updated it will last upto 2040s-2050s.
