Preparations are underway to increase the capacity of the Air Force.
Today, India needs such advanced aircraft that can augment the power of the Air Force. In this sense, the “Super Sukhoi” program can emerge as a solution to the problem. India soon plans to upgrade 84 Su-30MKI fighter jets into ‘Super Sukhoi’. The Defense Acquisition Council gave its approval some time ago. It is believed that a decision on this matter can soon be taken at the meeting of the Cabinet Security Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister. The estimated cost of this program is approximately Rs 63,000 crore.
State-of-the-art stealth technology, advanced radar, mission computer, electronic warfare suite, improved cockpit design and modern weapon systems will be added to the Indian-powered Super Sukhoi. So that it can enter the category of fifth-generation fighter aircraft. ‘Manned-Unmanned Teaming’ (MUM-T) technology will also be added to these aircraft, through which attack or surveillance drones can be flown with combat aircraft.
Advanced radar and improved electronics
An advanced Indian-made radar system will be installed on the Super Sukhoi, the range of which will be 1.5 to 1.7 times greater than that of the existing Sukhoi radar. Apart from this, they will also have infrared tracking and search sensors, which are being developed by Bharat Electronics Limited. The aircraft’s electronics will also be upgraded, with a total of 51 systems installed, including three mission computers. Of these systems, 30 will be upgraded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, 13 by the Defense Research and Development Organization and eight by the private sector.
Fifth-generation stealth fighter jets by 2028
The upgrade, testing and certification of the Super Sukhoi is estimated to take about 7 years, and another 8 years may be needed to complete the upgrade of all 84 aircraft, making the total timeline 15 years. There is also a plan to deliver its first fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft, the Advanced Medium Fighter Jet, to the Air Force by 2028. The Indian Air Force’s fighter jet capability is currently lower than in 1965. In such a situation, the Air Force strength has been affected due to retirement of old Soviet era fighter jets and delay due to non-availability of engines in the Tejas Mark-1A programme. Along with this, the need for multi-role fighter aircraft has also increased.
At present, the Indian Air Force has only 31 squadrons, which is a serious situation from a security point of view. The Super Sukhoi program will further strengthen the capability of the Indian Air Force and promote the contribution of India’s indigenous technology in the defense sector in the times to come.
