Su-30MKI: News and Discussion - 24 July 2021

[Tanaji]

VIDEO: https://x.com/Defencecore/status/204434 ... 25965?s=20 ---> An IAF Su-30MKI performing low level terrain masking (canyon flying) during a training flight, flying very close to the Saptashrungi Temple, Nashik.

You can see the trash thrown on the hillock in that video. We have no civic sense…

[Manish_Sharma]

https://x.com/alpha_defense/status/2054 ... 88191?s=20

Some say Modi Government is still not releasing funds for the Super Sukhoi program, around ₹70,000 crores, and only news outlets keep reporting that it will happen.
Others say, “Since 2018 I’ve been listening to this Super Sukhoi nonsense.”

First we need to understand that the new Super Sukhoi upgrade is not your grandfather-era Super Sukhoi.
This upgrade will take the MKI to a completely different level with a GaN-based AESA radar, something even current Rafale variants do not have.
Add to that a new EW suite, digital cockpit, MAWS, a host of new weapons, and probably even a new engine in the future.

If you monitor global fighter programs, you’ll realize the world was still talking about Rafale F4 when many here had already started discussing Super Sukhoi. However, the extent and scope of this upgrade is closer to Rafale F5-level ambition than a routine mid-life upgrade.

Technology of this sort takes time. Virupaksha has only recently gone onto the test jig. Many of these blocks are still under development and validation. They are not yet at the stage where GOI will release full-fledged fund flow for mass execution.

As milestones are achieved, the funds will flow.

There is also a reason why restarting and expanding the Su-30 line has taken time. This is not a simple upgrade packag, it is practically the evolution of the MKI into an entirely new generation of capability.

[ritesh]

https://x.com/InsightGL/status/2040386368334164038?s=20 --->

- 12 Su-30MKI material kits have reached HAL Nashik from Russia
- India had issued a Rs 13,500 crore contract for 12 New Su-30MKIs in December 2024
- Indian Air Force has ~270 Su-30MKI
- Hopefully, these new jets would give some relief to the IAF from the delay in MRFA & Tejas Mk1A acquisitions

Wat happened to claims of building Su30 from raw materials indigenously?

Link
https://www.airforce-technology.com/new ... -su-30mki/

[Cybaru]

If Super Sukhoi platform is going to be so amazing - why not add another 50 of it and upgrade every available airframe? How does our raffy purchases look like given the slowing economy and lower forex reserves?

[uddu]

Indigenous Talon Shield Jammer Pod by Data Patterns Nears Major Air Trials on IAF Su-30MKI Fighters
https://defence.in/threads/indigenous-t ... ers.17800/

[uddu]

IAF must prioritise the low hanging fruits and get that done quickly rather than wait for decades for the Super Sukhoi upgrade to be completed. Take those aircrafts that's not going in for the Super Sukhoi upgrade and Start with fitting Uttam AESA and upgrades like Talon Shield etc kind of procurement that when integrated and done as a quick upgrade will give IAF extra edge every passing year with better Su-30MKI's in service. These kind of decisions can be taken by Air Chief or minister himself. These kind of upgrades will also help fasten the Super Sukhoi program with expertise gained in integrating these systems successfully.

[drnayar]

If Super Sukhoi platform is going to be so amazing - why not add another 50 of it and upgrade every available airframe? How does our raffy purchases look like given the slowing economy and lower forex reserves?

I would assume some airframes are just too old to be cost effectively rebuilt compared to a new one !..

[Rakesh]

The oldest Rambha airframe is ~ 24 years old. Those aircraft are part of No 20 Squadron, Lightnings. Raised on 27 Sept 2002. Comparitively, the Jaguar, MiG-29 and Mirage 2000 airframes are MUCH older and still undergoing hardware upgrades or sub-component updates.

Fleet wide Rambha upgrades are happening, but in two phases/variants. Everything is moving at a snail's pace, till MoD signs the deal for Air HQ's "precious" 114 Rafales.

[Cain Marko]

If Super Sukhoi platform is going to be so amazing - why not add another 50 of it and upgrade every available airframe? How does our raffy purchases look like given the slowing economy and lower forex reserves?

My guess is operational costs. That's what concerns the IAF. Also, the raffle is ready, super30, not yet.

Better to invest in a few vanilla pakfa. More can be built at hal at a later date.