The Indian Air Force has taken a significant step to enhance its squadron capacity by issuing a procurement request to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, a state-owned entity, for the acquisition of 12 advanced Su-30MKI fighter jets.
According to defense sources, a recent tender has been released to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 12 Su-30MKI fighters. The HAL, in collaboration with Russian original equipment manufacturers, will manufacture these fighters in India. The public sector company is anticipated to submit a response to the tender, including project specifics, by the coming month.
The aircraft will incorporate a significant proportion of indigenous components, aligning with the Indian Air Force’s specifications and in accordance with the government’s Aatmanirbhar policies aimed at fostering self-reliance in the defense sector.
“These would be one of the modern Su-30 MKI aircraft of the IAF, equipped with multiple Indian weapons and sensors,” they said.
The Indian Air Force is currently undertaking a project to enhance the Sukhoi-30 fighter fleet through an ambitious initiative. This endeavor aims to upgrade 84 aircraft with indigenous weapon systems, advanced radars, and avionics.
“The project is planned to be completed with the HAL indigenously and it will also position us well for the upgrade of similar aircraft in foreign countries, they said.
India possesses a fleet of 272 Su-30 fighter jets, acquired in various phases by the Indian Air Force since the early 2000s.
The aircraft have undergone upgrades, incorporating Indian systems and weapons such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Astra air-to-air missile.
Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Chief of the Indian Air Force, recently emphasized that the BrahMos supersonic missile has significantly strengthened the firepower of the Indian Air Force. He highlighted that the missile has played a crucial role in enhancing the nation’s defensive capabilities in the face of potential conflicts.
He stated that the formidable pairing of BrahMos missiles with Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets is a powerful configuration. Additionally, he mentioned the ongoing development of scaled-down variants of the next-generation BrahMos missiles, designed to be integrated into other combat aircraft. The Su-30s have been actively involved in various exercises and operations, including the Balakot air strikes and the current military standoff with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.
Source: ANI
