New Delhi, April 10: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to bolster the capabilities of its Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, which are considered the backbone of its aerial strength. With the largest fleet of Sukhoi jets, the IAF is now focusing on enhancing these already powerful aircraft using indigenous technology.
A capability roadmap developed by the Air Force emphasizes the indigenization of air-to-air and air-to-ground missile launchers and missiles. The IAF is preparing to procure several indigenous missiles, aiming to make everything from launchers to missiles domestically produced.
The Sukhoi-30 MKI jets were initially purchased from Russia, equipped with essential tools that allow various types of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons to be mounted based on mission requirements. Currently, the launchers and adapters supplied by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) are used for mounting weapons or other equipment. However, these launchers have limited weight-bearing capacities and require different launchers for different types of weapons.
According to the Air Force, the need to frequently change launchers based on mission requirements causes delays in operations. To address this issue, plans are underway to develop a common launcher that can easily accommodate various missile types without the need for replacement.
Notably, this project encourages participation from indigenous industries under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The Air Force’s roadmap includes not only the indigenous development of launchers but also emphasizes the development of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
The air-to-ground missiles are part of India’s next-generation air-drop precision-guided munition series, capable of targeting and destroying critical strategic enemy locations from a distance. With the implementation of the Atmanirbhar initiative, domestic production of these missiles has become essential. The IAF’s fighter jets can be transformed into launch platforms, developing options with ranges from 50 to 500 kilometers. It is also crucial to manufacture short-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles domestically.
Efforts are already underway to upgrade the Sukhoi jets to ‘Super Sukhoi’ status, which includes plans to enhance the avionics, radar, and engines of 84 Sukhoi aircraft. Additionally, approval has been granted for the purchase of 12 new Sukhoi jets.
The Indian Air Force has acquired a total of 272 Sukhoi-30 jets from Russia. Of these, 50 were delivered from Russia, while the remaining 222 have been manufactured in India under license production by HAL since 2000. Maintaining the number of these heavyweight, long-range fighters is crucial, as they are capable of carrying large quantities of bombs and missiles. The Sukhoi-30 is the only fighter jet in the Indian Air Force capable of carrying and launching the BrahMos missile.
– D.K.P.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment