"Defence Boost: Sukhoi-30 MKI Fleet's Rs 60,000 Crore Makeover Approved!"

"Defence Boost: Sukhoi-30 MKI Fleet's Rs 60,000 Crore Makeover Approved!"

India's Sukhoi-30 MKI fleet is set for a massive upgrade, with a budget of Rs 60,000 crore approved by the Defence Ministry. The upgrade will include the installation of indigenous equipment to enhance the fighter jets' capabilities, such as improved radar systems, tracking devices, and the ability to strike targets from longer distances.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will lead the project, which will also involve collaboration with the private sector in India. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will provide support for the upgrade, with most components sourced from private companies.

The upgrade project is divided into two phases, with the first focusing on installing new avionics and radars, and the second on enhancing the flight control systems. The goal is to replace several Russian-origin systems in Indian fighter jets with indigenous alternatives, strengthening the aircraft's combat capabilities.

The upgrades will include a new Electronic Warfare System to jam incoming threats, as well as new Infra Red Search and Track systems to enhance air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting capabilities. Approximately 90 fighters will undergo upgrades in the first batch, with the integration of new systems scheduled to begin this year.

The Sukhoi-30 MKI fleet is crucial to the Indian Air Force, and these upgrades are seen as a significant step towards modernizing India's defence capabilities. Additionally, the upgrades present a potential export market, as several other countries operate similar aircraft.