Su-30MKI: News and Discussion - August 9, 2014

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 27 Apr 2017 00:28

From the years in service of the SU-30MKI, has IAF and or HAL figured out which are the spares that wear out most often and come up with better parts in consultation with the DRDO and the Russians?

Aditya G · Post by **Aditya G** » 27 Apr 2017 02:22

Reg Numberplating;

Unlike IA where officers are attached to a regiment, there is no such concept in IAF. officers serve in multiple squadrons.

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 28 Apr 2017 05:42

ashishvikas wrote:NEWS: The Indian Air force's 221 Squadron, the 'Valiants', began inducting Su-30 MKIs yesterday. The 221 had been flying Mig-23s till 2009.

https://twitter.com/delhidefence/status ... 6335891457

More details on No.221 Squadron, the "Valiants" re-equipping on the Su-30MKI after being number plated with the retirement of the MiG-23.

IAF stands up new Su-30MKI squadron

In a solemn ceremony on 24 Apr 17, the Su-30 MKI aircraft was inducted into 221 Squadron, ‘Valiants’, of the IAF. Air Marshal C Hari Kumar AVSM VM VSM ADC, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Air Command IAF was the chief guest for the occasion. Among the distinguished guests were Mr Daljeet Singh, CEO, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and other officials from HAL.

The ‘Valiants’ which flew Mig-23 aircraft till 2009, is now equipped with the formidable Su-30 MKI aircraft. The Su-30 MKI is a state of the art all weather multi role fighter aircraft capable of undertaking varied air combat and ground attack missions.

The ’Valiants’ were formed as an offensive fighter squadron on 14 Feb 1963 at Barrackpore with Sqn Ldr N Chatrath as the first Commanding Officer. The Squadron was than equipped with three types of aircraft namely the Vampires, Spitfire, Hurricane and Su-7 aircraft. The squadron has changed many bases during its fifty-four years long journey and has taken part in 1971 War and Kargil operations. Su-7 aircraft of the Valiants roared over East Pakistan in support of the Indian Army’s blitzkrieg advance in 1971. The ‘Valiants’, operating the MiG-23s, were the first ones to fire weapons on the enemy during the Kargil war. Many of the squadron pilots have been decorated with gallantry awards over the years.

Personnel from the Air Force Station and their families witnessed a well-organised ceremony on this occasion. Air Cmde DV Khot VM, Air Officer Commanding of the Air Force Station and his team have worked hard for the smooth induction of the new Su-30 Squadron. The induction of the Squadron will boost the offensive capabilities of the Indian Air Force in this sector. The Flight Commander of the Squadron performed an impressive Low Level Aerobatic Display.

Air Marshal C Hari Kumar formally handed over the official documents of the Squadron to Wing Commander HS Luthra, the Commanding Officer of the Squadron. In his address, the Air Marshal congratulated the air warriors of the Squadron on the timely induction of the mighty Su 30 MKI. He appreciated the tireless efforts put in by all the personnel of the base. The Air Marshal and his wife Mrs Devika Hari Kumar interacted with the squadron personnel during the tea after the ceremony.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 28 Apr 2017 05:48

No. 221 Vampires were the ones first used to stop the Paki tanks in 1965 war. The have a distinguished history.

shiv · Post by **shiv** » 28 Apr 2017 07:41

ramana wrote:From the years in service of the SU-30MKI, has IAF and or HAL figured out which are the spares that wear out most often and come up with better parts in consultation with the DRDO and the Russians?

Cannot speak about Su-30 but the Base Repair Depots have a long list of spares at Aero India which they make or for which they invite private players to come and make as import substitutes. I have seen requirements for MiG 21s, MiG 23s and Mi 17s. The men who man the stalls are also more polite and attentive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKM56xkLl8g

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 30 Apr 2017 10:17

ramana wrote:No. 221 Vampires were the ones first used to stop the Paki tanks in 1965 war. They have a distinguished history.

Here from BR pages the history of 220 and 221 Squadron. It was Auxilary Air Force Squadron converted to IAF after 1962 China war.

http://bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/history/1 ... adron.html

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 21 May 2017 22:27

Today is 40th anniversary! in 1977 the Sukhoi T-10 first took to the skies

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 21 May 2017 22:34

Exactly 40 years ago, on May 20, 1977, the prototype of Russia's legendary Su-27 fourth generation fighter aircraft, Т-10-1, made its first flight.

Russia’s Legendary Su-27 Fighter Jet Still Second to None in Close Air Combat

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 23 May 2017 14:33

Looks a SU-30 has gone missing after taking off from Tezpur in Assam based on Radar AIrcraft went 60Km north of Tezpur, Praying pilots are safe

Karthik S · Post by **Karthik S** » 23 May 2017 14:43

60km north of Tezpur is roughly mid point from the cheen border. No updates yet.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 23 May 2017 15:54

Any news yet on the Pilots?

Karthik S · Post by **Karthik S** » 23 May 2017 16:48

Nothing yet!

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 23 May 2017 17:02

The missing #Sukhoi30 Fighter aircraft with two pilots on board has been reportedly found at Kalaktang in West Kameng District.

https://twitter.com/airnewsalerts/statu ... 0866784257

Karthik S · Post by **Karthik S** » 23 May 2017 17:04

No news about pilots yet.

Tejas.P · Post by **Tejas.P** » 23 May 2017 17:48

http://www.firstpost.com/india/iaf-sukh ... 72194.html

Although defence sources have not confirmed a crash yet, they said that the Sukhoi 30 MKI which went missing on Tuesday could be near Kalaktang in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh at 70°03' N n 92°30' E.

The aircraft which had taken off from Tezpur air force station at Salonibari in Assam had lost its contact at Narayanpur area in Lakhimpur district of Assam. Two pilots who were onboard the plane are also missing.

vasu raya · Post by **vasu raya** » 24 May 2017 20:34

wonder what was the fuel level when they lost radar contact?

VKumar · Post by **VKumar** » 24 May 2017 21:20

China has denied knowledge of the missing SU 30MKI.

vasu raya · Post by **vasu raya** » 24 May 2017 21:41

Is the P8I equipped to detect aircraft engine exhaust contrails with its hydrocarbon sensors and maybe helped by the smoky engines? something applicable to stealth drones too within a timelimit

Austin · Post by **Austin** » 24 May 2017 21:43

That place is mountainous and well forested with constant bad climate , if MKI gets lost there then it would take effort to find it.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 24 May 2017 22:50

if they have ejected successfully, they might be alive. the weather isnt life threatening this time of the year for a healthy person with adequate clothing. rainy though.

Kartik · Post by **Kartik** » 25 May 2017 02:30

An old article from AW&ST on HAL becoming the only OEM in the world for overhauling Su-30MKIs. Useful data points to be found here

India To Become Only OEM For Supporting Su-30MKI Fleet
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report Jan 09, 2015 , p. 5
Jay Menon

NEW DELHI—India is aiming to get overhaul orders from countries operating Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters as state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) delivered the first reconditioned aircraft to the Indian air force (IAF).

"Our (HAL’s) Su-30 overhaul facility in western Nashik city is the only one of its kind in the world and has export prospects since nearly 10 countries have Su-30 fleets...We will also act as a single window Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for supporting the Su-30MKI fleet," says HAL Chairman R.K. Tyagi.

Apart from India and Russia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Algeria operate variants of Su-30 aircraft.

The twin-seater, long-range, multi-role, air superiority Su-30MKIs are being overhauled at HAL Nashik for the first time in the world on completion of the specified Time between Overhaul (TBO) life, given to it after manufacturing.

During overhaul, an aircraft undergoes stripping to skeleton level, checking and reconditioning of each and every repairable component, incorporating more than 600 modifications, replacing the non-repairable defective or expired components and finally rebuilding it to original configuration of latest standard of Su-30MKI aircraft.

During overhaul more than 10,000 lines of unique part numbers are processed, reconditioned, repaired, overhauled and assembled back on the aircraft. Major components such as the engines, wings and control surfaces are dismantled first. The parts dismantled and pre-surveyed are sent to various overhaul shops for further operations.

After successful testing of various systems on the ground and in the air, as per stipulated flight profiles, the aircraft is certified to fly for its next assigned TBO life. At present, the Total Technical Life or TTL of a Su-30MKI aircraft is 6,000 hr. or 25 years, whichever comes first.

A Su-30MKI is overhauled after flying 1,500 hr. or 14 years, whichever is earlier.

Ten new shops and existing facilities such as pipeline overhaul, plating and process, and aircraft manufacturing divisions are extensively used during the overhaul. Tentative repair technical documents were received from Russia and the technologies have been finalized with the help of experts from Russia and HAL.

There are 2,478 tasks and technology processes to execute for the complete overhaul of an aircraft. Online system for tracking and monitoring of parts are also established.

The facility at Nashik has taken 14 years to overhaul its first fighter since the initial contract, signed in 2000 for building 140 fighters in India, did not include provisions for overhaul. According to HAL officials, the delay was also because Russia itself has no Su-30 overhaul facility. Incidentally, it was only in 2008 that New Delhi and Moscow signed an overhaul contract.

The second overhauled Su-30MKI for the IAF is getting ready for delivery.

"We are confident of improving the serviceability and ramp up capacity," Tyagi says. About 70% Of the 43,000 components that go into a Su-30MKI are now being built in India.

HAL officials explain that In 2010, the first IAF Su-30MKI fighters, which had joined the fleet in 2000, were due for overhaul, in accordance with the original schedule, which was 1,500 flying hours or 10 years. But since the aircraft had flown far less than 1,500 hr., Sukhoi was approached to extend the time period between overhaul and the schedule was revised to 1,500 flying hours or 14 years, whichever comes first, according to the officials.

The Indian defense ministry has sanctioned an overhaul capacity of 15 fighters per year. HAL expects to overhaul 10-12 fighters this year.

"We have already approached the [ministry] to step up capacity to 30 fighters per year, which will cater for our requirements into the 2030s," says an official of the state-owned aircraft maker.

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 25 May 2017 05:29

Rahul M wrote:if they have ejected successfully, they might be alive. the weather isnt life threatening this time of the year for a healthy person with adequate clothing. rainy though.

as long as they dont slam into some sharp objects on the way down

JayS · Post by **JayS** » 25 May 2017 10:43

Kartik wrote:An old article from AW&ST on HAL becoming the only OEM in the world for overhauling Su-30MKIs. Useful data points to be found here

India To Become Only OEM For Supporting Su-30MKI Fleet
Aerospace Daily & Defense Report Jan 09, 2015 , p. 5
Jay Menon

NEW DELHI—India is aiming to get overhaul orders from countries operating Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters as state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) delivered the first reconditioned aircraft to the Indian air force (IAF).

"Our (HAL’s) Su-30 overhaul facility in western Nashik city is the only one of its kind in the world and has export prospects since nearly 10 countries have Su-30 fleets...We will also act as a single window Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for supporting the Su-30MKI fleet," says HAL Chairman R.K. Tyagi.
.
.
.
The Indian defense ministry has sanctioned an overhaul capacity of 15 fighters per year. HAL expects to overhaul 10-12 fighters this year.

"We have already approached the [ministry] to step up capacity to 30 fighters per year, which will cater for our requirements into the 2030s," says an official of the state-owned aircraft maker.

HAL would become single window MRO centre for Su-30, not an OEM. For becoming OEM, HAL need to get the full rights for modification and certification of those changes on their own. Until HAL becomes responsible entity for certification of Su-30, it cannot be called OEM for Su-30.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 25 May 2017 12:08

Any idea o weather conditions at the base and direction of flight and height until radar contact was lost after they took off? Since the time of loss of contact is known,one could estimate the max radius/distance that the aircraft could've reached by then.There must/should also be cash distress beacons on the aircraft for locating the aircraft. When located,debris could be salavged by our heavy-lift helos like MI-26s.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 25 May 2017 22:39

http://news4security.com/posts/2017/02/ ... orne-sdrs/

Aero India 2017: Rafael scores big in airborne SDRs

17th February 2017 – 12:58 by Gordon Arthur in Bangalore

Aero India 2017: Rafael Scores Big In Airborne SDRs

Rafael is getting ready to supply its BNET-AR, part of the Israeli company’s software-defined radio family, to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in serious quantities. Speaking to Shephard at Aero India 2017 in Bangalore, a Rafael spokesman said a contract should be signed by the end of March after the company was earlier selected to supply the BNET-AR for the IAF’s Sukhoi Su-30MKI (pictured above), Jaguar and airborne early warning aircraft fleets. When units for both aircraft and ground stations are counted, the quantity amounts to 1,000 radios, each of which weighs 7kg and measures 130 x 250 x 250mm. Rafael noted that there is potential for the IAF to later fit this family of SDRs onto other aircraft platforms too.

BNET[2] is a self-healing, mobile, broadband ad hoc network (MANET) system, and the radios provide both air-to-air and air-to-ground functionality. BNET-AR will replace the existing Integrated Radio Communication (INCOM) set on aircraft.

To comply with Indian procurement regulations, Rafael is working with local partner Astra Microwave via a joint venture. Meanwhile, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will perform integration of the radio system, while Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is responsible for the ground stations.

In related news, the Indian Army issued an RfI for SDRs a couple of months ago, and Rafael will respond to this also. Other areas of focus for Rafael in India are air-to-air missiles and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems.

Yaniv Rotem, business development and marketing manager for the air superiority systems division, said Rafael is offering a suite of weapons for India’s indigenous Tejas light fighter[3]. These include Derby Mk III and Python-5 missiles plus the SPICE family of guided munitions (250, -1000 and -2000). The IAF already operates the SPYDER[4] SAM system, so outfitting the Tejas with the same Derby and Python-5 missiles would allow each other’s stockpile to be fully exploited. The Derby Mk III is an Indian version of the beyond-visual-range I-Derby ER. The improved missile with longer 100km range was unveiled two years ago at Aero India, and it features a dual-pulse rocket motor and software-defined radio frequency seeker.

The Tejas has already been successfully configured to carry baseline Derby missiles, and it is believed that the IAF is evaluating this missile type in competition with the MBDA Meteor and Raytheon AIM-120D. The SPICE 250, mounted on a quad rack and offering a 100km range, is currently undergoing acceptance testing in Israel. Rotem said it offers better range, accuracy, penetration and frangible effects than the 500-pound Mk 82 bomb. It can be used independently thanks to a data link and automatic scene-matching, or it can combine with a Litening pod to hit moving targets on land or sea. Both the Litening 5 navigation and targeting pod and the Lite Shield[5] electronic attack pod for close protection and escort jamming are on offer to India.

In terms of SAM systems, Rafael was promoting Iron Dome[6] at Aero India 2017, with the famous system performing more than 1,700 interceptions to date. Pini Yungman, head of the missile defence systems directorate, said Iron Dome could be combined with the Barak 8 missile[7] that India will be inducting in significant quantities. C-Dome is the shipborne variant of Iron Dome, giving naval vessels an area defence capacity. Yungman said it would make a good replacement for the older Barak 1 missile currently installed on Indian Navy vessels. The Indian Army has already selected the Spike anti-armour missile[8] and a contract for 321 launchers and 8,356 missiles is approaching.

A company executive stated, ‘I would like to emphasise that we are seeking to enlarge our partnerships in India, and we are negotiating with the local industry to make this happen.’

As well as the aforementioned tie-up with Astra Microwave, Rafael also has partnerships with Bharat Forge, Reliance Defence and Engineering (formerly Pipavav) and Bharat Dynamics Limited.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 25 May 2017 22:43

BNET
http://i-hls.com/archives/58916

From earlier.

The BNET software defined radio (SDR) system developed by an Israeli defense contractor is creating interest among various foreign air forces. The BNET will become the main communication system of the Israeli Air Force (IAF). It will be incorporated into both existing and future platforms.

The Israeli-developed BNET system replaces existing radio systems installed in aircraft. According to the Israeli developer and manufacturer, while half in size and weight – it offers a very wide communications channel for data.

According to source at Rafael, the developer, the SDR system optimizes the spectrum utilization, while the use of advanced waveforms deliver high speed networking, supporting live video, image transfer, voice and data.

The Rafael source added that the BNET allows the aircraft to achieve a fully networked communication systems between airborne platforms and ground a naval forces. The system is seamless and it allows the transfer of data including video images in unprecedented rates.

A Rafael source said that the BNET communications systems have been selected by the air forces of Brazil and Colombia and is now competing in other countries. The biggest competition is in India. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is planning to deploy an advanced communications network.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 25 May 2017 22:46

And I was wondering where the ODL was... looks like the israelis pipped rockwell collins, rohde and schwarz.

Dhanoa sir:

Regarding network-centric warfare, the IAF has operationalised the backbone grids such as the AFNET and the IACCS. Since this is linked to crucial technologies such as SDR and data link for developing operational capability, how critical is it that these are sourced indigenously?
Requirement of SDR and Operational Data Link are crucial towards achieving network centric warfare capability. Hence, it would be advantageous that they are sourced indigenously, however, since no Indian vendor cleared the requirements of SDR for the IAF, these radios are being procured from abroad. Keeping in view PM’s ‘Make in India’ Campaign, all out efforts would be made to invite as many Indian vendors as possible for sourcing the Network Centric Operation Applications. The Pilot Project for Operational Data Link (ODL) was successfully completed by IAF in 2012. Based on the outcome of the Pilot Project, the requirements of Network Centric Operations (NCO) suitable for the IAF were evolved. Subsequently, initial case for procurement of Software Defined Radio (SDR) for the IAF was initiated in 2013 globally. Only one Indian company (M/s Alpha Technologies) and one DPSU (BEL) fielded their SDRs in response to the RFP. They did not meet the requirements of IAF hence, were not recommended by the Technical Evaluation Committee. The case for procurement of SDR is currently at CCS Stage. Simultaneously, the specifications of Network Centric Operation Applications (NCO Applications) are being worked out based on the IAF requirements.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 25 May 2017 22:52

My take is the Su-30 existing russian radio - which allows it to datalink with other aircraft & the Phalcon, will be retained. This extra unit will be added for integration with other IAF aircraft & assets like Phalcon etc on top of the existing comms, plus integration with IAF AFNET. Presumably high bandwidth data sharing from recce pods etc on the Su-30, Jaguar etc. 1000 radios means the bulk of the IAF fleet, and not just the above two aircraft. All fighters plus some of the transports and helicopters.

Marten · Post by **Marten** » 25 May 2017 22:55

KaranM, HAL displayed SDR at one of the stalls. Does this mean IAF is still looking for an apt solution? Because some Chai wala said this was being discussed with a far east organization but was not being implemented due to export control norms that were supposed to be discussed during the PM visit. Would appreciate some insight on whether the issue is at hardware design or at waveform.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 26 May 2017 00:54

Marten saar - the HAL, BEL solutions IMHO will not be purchased. Not until they mature.

Neither org, especially HAL has displayed the wherewithal for such a complex program completely on its own. BEL has at least collaborated with DRDO in the past & can do it with them or take existing designs and upgrade from there. But completely on their own - only prototypes at best IMHO. HAL even screwed up the much simpler INCOM radio, which was to be the standard IAF fleet radio, which IAF purchased in bulk. I, personally am very skeptical about HAL avionics design capability until & unless they start investing and deploying several product lines in an area. As you would have seen first hand, it takes many product deployments before one can comfortably state the org has a relatively firm handle on the process.

The issue will be both hardware - i.e. developing complex ASICs or even using a mix of COTS and custom hardware - in a compact form factor, which is a very big deal for avionics. This is apart from the RF part which will also require custom solutions.

And, also then the software - something which can deploy multiple waveforms.

The expertise exists - for instance CAIR with BEL is doing this for the Navy (http://ddpmod.gov.in/sites/default/file ... 4-2015.pdf, see DRDO section). But IAF needed this yesterday & you can imagine the slow pace of testing and decision making (ODL testing was done in 2012, and we are yet to proceed in 2015).

Lest anyone think I am being unduly harsh on HAL, lets take DARE's experience. Multiple RWRs deployed with Tarang models etc. Yet RWRs, are still to meet full world class reliability & performance standards, partly because they have to design their systems for third party airframes which have quirks & our test infrastructure is nowhere as comprehensive as was needed. Yet, now, they are still persevering with DR-118.

IMHO, the Israelis will get the deal as they have had a leg ahead from the start (http://www.domain-b.com/defence/air_spa ... tract.html) and they are used to working with the IAF (promising the moon & full customization at low rates, different matter that it rarely works out as planned) and IAF is more comfortable working and acquiring from the israelis than the americans & Rohde & Schwarze though a world leader in comms has not had much experience working the Indian system.

Israel has heavy infrastructure, assiduously worked by gaming the US system and using the $ budget to buy American gear via FMS wagehra while local monies all went for the domestic MIC. They did with the Kfir, Lavi what we are doing with the Jaguar upgrade & LCA decades later. But unlike us their decision makers didn't complain & of course, since there was a "reliable backup" from US, they experimented away & are now sitting pretty.

Very interesting to see your chai-wallah info.. I'd guess at this point we are not likely to see al-Nippon gear in our systems unless its for a different deal or via some DRDO type JV.

Anyways, my guess is it will be Israeli ODLs in all our key platforms. Not ideal - but hey most of our stuff is foreign anyways, including a lot of AFNET infra. IAF will do some heavy testing for basic bugs etc. I would presume crypto-key control will be with IAF.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 26 May 2017 00:57

I might as well state this, a decade back, one of the israeli solutions on display was very interesting. Frm the fighter, it displayed stuff like targets being monitored by the aircraft, under attack, fuel status, health status of the fighter, its key parameters (flight) etc. I don't know whether IAF can get same level of integration with the Su-30 - but with DARIN-3, ELTA radar equipped Jags, why not.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 26 May 2017 01:05

B-NET is likely the standard radio to be used by the IDF AF also. This means a mature product (hopefully) and not in-development vaporware which the israelis are adept at passing off to us, while taking our tax money.
https://issuu.com/vishmeh/docs/arm_com_ ... alradio/11

10MBPS data transfer speeds... so relatively modest data transfer rates and not unobtainium either.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 May 2017 03:18

KaranM, Did you see the SDR frequency seeker in the Derby BVR?

The Derby Mk III is an Indian version of the beyond-visual-range I-Derby ER. The improved missile with longer 100km range was unveiled two years ago at Aero India, and it features a dual-pulse rocket motor and software-defined radio frequency seeker.

Looks like that is a critical technology for DRDO Avionics labs/HAL/BEL/BDL to master.
No more fun and excuses.

Karan M · Post by **Karan M** » 26 May 2017 04:34

Yes sir - but it seems its still "tomorrow" for us. As of 2016, DRDO has managed to test an indigenized seeker for Astra, which was hitherto imported (at least partly). So a SDR seeker, with much more versatility, capability etc is still a distance away.

I hope the IAF does not use that as a reason to turn down the Astra Mk1 today, when they have a critical shortage of basic BVR ARH missiles & literally, the Mirage 2000's are the only ones with BVR ARH missiles. Even those don't have SDR seekers but standard ones.

The Barak-8 aka MRSAM aka LRSAM also uses a SDR seeker.

Plus Astra has gone through a full validation cycle with Bars radar and is firmly RVV-AE class and likely, range wise superior to Mica etc. So why not induct. But so far only LSP of 50 units has been reported. I hope IAF does not ask for the moon and DRDO does not respond with moonshine timelines, perpetuating the mess.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 May 2017 05:20

LSP 50 is typical order to set up production line. Its usual everywhere.

The next gen technology honchos should have this SDR on their screens.

Karthik S · Post by **Karthik S** » 26 May 2017 11:47

ANI‏Verified account @ANI_news 2m2 minutes ago
Assam: Wreckage of missing IAF SU-30 jet found close to the last known position of the aircraft

Good update finally. Hopefully pilots are safe and will be found soon.

DrRatnadip · Post by **DrRatnadip** » 26 May 2017 18:36

^^Any news about pilots?

rsingh · Post by **rsingh** » 26 May 2017 19:38

Any chance Chinese bringing down SU-30 ? It is highly possible.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 26 May 2017 19:48

rsingh wrote:Any chance Chinese bringing down SU-30 ? It is highly possible.

rsingh, The SU-30 was in its local flying area i.e. in its area for training. So quite far from any Chinese mischief.
The jungle is very deep there.

Deejay can elaborate.

I wish we had a feature on BRF to make it easy to post from phone using Share via... feature.

Very frustrating as there is a lot from Twitter that can be shared to make these discussions more germane.

Karthik S · Post by **Karthik S** » 26 May 2017 19:53

rsingh wrote:Any chance Chinese bringing down SU-30 ? It is highly possible.

I had similar doubts as well, but the plane flew well within out border (~60km), how can Chinese shoot down a MKI of all the planes inside our border.