New Delhi, April 10 – In a major effort to achieve "self-reliance" in defense preparedness and military capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched a major program to indigenize its fighter jet fleet by equipping them with cutting-edge components and domestically produced launchers.
The Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet fleet, which uses BrahMos – one of the most lethal missiles – is undergoing indigenization under the "Super Sukhoi" upgrade program, where they will be equipped with indigenous technology and receive necessary upgrades.
The project, led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and DRDO, aims to integrate Indian avionics, radars, and weapons to reduce dependence on Russia and upgrade them with locally developed warfare systems.
Notably, the Su-30 constitutes the largest segment of the IAF's fighter fleet.
A complete overhaul of the entire weapons system is planned under the 'Super Sukhoi' program. There are plans to upgrade the avionics, radar systems, and engines of 84 Sukhoi aircraft.
Under this initiative, the focus is on the indigenization of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missile launchers, as well as the missiles themselves. While several indigenous missiles are already being inducted, the current plan aims to make every component – from launchers to missiles – entirely indigenous.
The Su-30 MKI aircraft was originally procured from Russia. Currently, launchers and adapters supplied by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) are used to mount weapons or other equipment onto the aircraft. These launchers have limited payload capacity, and a separate launcher is required for each weapon type.
Due to logistical challenges in swapping launchers, the IAF is seeking to equip them with a "common launcher" system that would enable the seamless deployment of various missile types without physically changing the launcher itself.
Efforts are underway to closely align the project with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The Air Force's roadmap encompasses not only the indigenous development of launchers but also emphasizes the development of indigenous air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. The air-to-ground missile is part of India's next-generation series of air-dropped precision-guided munitions.
Notably, the IAF procured a total of 272 Sukhoi-30 aircraft from Russia, of which 50 were delivered as fully built units, while the remaining 222 fighter jets have been manufactured domestically by HAL under a licensing agreement since 2000.
The Sukhoi-30 remains the only fighter jet capable of carrying and launching the BrahMos missile; therefore, maintaining the fleet strength is crucial, as it can carry a substantial payload of bombs and missiles.