The Indian Air Force’s Rs. 35,000 crore upgrade program has been prolonged due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Because of the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, Russia’s government has placed the integration of cutting-edge equipment into India’s fighter jets on hold to meet their immediate needs.
Sukhoi-30
It’s a fighter jet built in Russia. Sukhoi-30 is the most advanced fighter plane after Rafale. One of the Su-30’s most advanced features is its ability to refuel in the air. After refueling, it can travel over 3,000 kilometers. It can travel at a speed of 2 Mach. It has two engines. It has the capacity to transport up to 12 tonnes of weaponry and explosives.
Su-30s have been in service with the Indian Air Force since 2002. These planes were delivered to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL by Russian producers, who then constructed them at the Nasik factory. There are now 272 Sukhoi Su-30 MKI variants in service. To meet the demand, India will need at least 40 more Sukhoi Su-30 mki aircraft. Twelve Su-30s are being purchased from Russia. India had also signed agreements with Russia for Su-30 maintenance. Sukhoi jets servicing and maintenance is carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Latest Integration
On December 8, 2021, the Defense Research Development Organization (DRDO) announced the development of an indigenous force multiplier with cutting-edge electronic capabilities known as the “AESA” radar.
The Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar will be installed on fighter jets, increasing their lethality. The planes will be able to detect 50 targets at a range of 100 kilometers and engage four targets at once. With the Russian and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, India is going to upgrade 85 Su-30 mki planes with the latest technologies. India is all set to purchase 12 Su 30 mki (Russian designed) from Russia.https://www.drdo.gov.in/technical-clusters/aeronautics-engineering
India is planning to upgrade not only the Sukhoi-30 mki but also other fighter jets with cutting-edge technology. This system is being integrated into Indian Mig-29A combat jets. India already has a large stock of the sphere parts needed for the process, allowing for the service of these jets at any moment.
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