Combat squadron strength dwindles, Govt looks at plan to upgrade Su-30MKIs, Pg 1

Key Highlights:

• The exit of MiG-21s reduced IAF’s operational fighter squadrons from 42 to 29, raising concerns about air superiority along borders with China and Pakistan.
• The Su-30MKI upgrade programme aims to enhance avionics, radar, electronic warfare (EW) systems, and weapon integration capabilities.
• The upgrade will extend the service life of Su-30MKIs by around 20 years, improving their operational lifespan well beyond 2045.
• The plan is under review by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and will be presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for approval.
• The IAF is awaiting delivery of Tejas Mk1A aircraft to fill squadron gaps, while Jaguar and Mirage 2000 fleets are expected to retire post-2030.
• The Su-30MKI upgrade proposal aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by including Indian defence industry participation.

Detailed Insights:

• Strategic Concern:
  • The IAF requires a minimum of 42 squadrons to effectively defend a two-front threat scenario.
  • The current shortfall limits India’s long-term deterrence capability and operational flexibility.
• About the Su-30MKI:
  • A twin-seater, multirole fighter developed jointly by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • Forms over 50% of IAF’s fighter fleet, with around 260 aircraft inducted since early 2000s.
• Upgrade Focus Areas:
  • Installation of modern AESA radar, advanced EW suite, and indigenous weapon systems like Astra beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles.
  • Integration with new-generation precision-guided munitions and improved flight control systems.
• Indigenisation Aspect:
  • HAL and DRDO are expected to lead the upgrade, reducing foreign dependency and improving maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
• Future Outlook:
  • The Tejas Mk1A, AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft), and MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) procurement are long-term solutions to bridge capability gaps.
  • Until then, upgrading the Su-30MKI fleet is seen as a cost-effective interim measure to maintain combat readiness.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• AESA Radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array): Provides faster target detection, higher resistance to jamming, and multiple target tracking capability.
• Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite: Defensive system for radar jamming, missile approach warning, and threat suppression.
• BVR Missiles: Air-to-air missiles capable of engaging targets beyond visual range, critical for modern air superiority missions.