The Indian Air Force (IAF) will soon receive a major boost as the Ministry of Defence has issued a Rs 10,000 crore tender to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the acquisition of 12 Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets. This acquisition is a crucial step towards improving the IAF’s squadron strength and maintaining its edge in the region.
HAL, India’s state-owned aerospace and defense company, is expected to respond to the tender by the end of December. The decision to procure the Su-30 MKIs comes amid concerns over the IAF’s depleting fighter strength and the need to replace aging aircraft.
The new Su-30 MKIs will be manufactured in India by HAL and will feature 60% indigenous content. This aligns with the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative to promote domestic manufacturing and self-reliance in defense production.
These advanced fighter jets will be the most modern Su-30 MKIs in the IAF’s fleet, which currently comprises over 260 such aircraft. The Su-30MKI is a multi-role air dominance fighter capable of carrying a diverse range of weapons, including the Astra Mk-1 long-range air-to-air missile, BrahMos Air Launched missile, and various bombs.
With its exceptional maneuverability at both high and low speeds, including the iconic vertical charlie maneuver, the Su-30MKI is a formidable force in the air. Additionally, the aircraft’s air-to-air refuelling capability enables it to undertake long-range patrols and endurance missions.
The IAF is also in the process of upgrading its existing Su-30MKI fleet with an upgrade program worth over Rs 30,000 crore. This modernization effort will ensure that the IAF’s Su-30 MKI fleet remains at the forefront of fighter technology.
With the acquisition of these new Su-30 MKIs and the ongoing upgrade of its existing fleet, the IAF is well-positioned to maintain its air superiority and fulfill its strategic mission of safeguarding India’s airspace.
