The Indian Air Force is preparing to give a new direction to its combat capability keeping in mind the needs of the coming years. On one hand, India has decided not to develop new Su-30MKI variants, while on the other hand, work has intensified on the plan to make ‘Super Sukhoi’ by equipping the existing Sukhoi fleet with state-of-the-art technology.
On the other hand, discussions have intensified regarding Russia’s fifth generation stealth fighter jet Su-57. Amidst the challenges related to the American F-35 fighter jet, defense sources believe that India can adopt the Su-57, which can prove to be a historic milestone in the country’s air defense system.
1. Refusal to buy new Sukhoi, ‘super’ modernization of the existing fleet:
The Indian government has made it clear that no new version of Su-30MKI will be purchased. Instead, the focus is on upgrading its existing fleet of about 260 aircraft.
- First phase: 84 aircraft will be upgraded in the initial phase, work on which is expected to begin between 2028 and 2030.
- Indigenous Strength: These aircraft will be fitted with indigenously developed ‘Virupaksha’ AESA radar, which is capable of detecting enemy stealth aircraft even from a distance of 210 kilometers. Also, AI-based avionics and modern electronic warfare systems will be added.
2. Deadly ‘kill chain’ of Su-57 and S-400:
According to sources, in future the Indian Air Force can include Su-57, by combining it with the S-400 Triumph air defense system already deployed in the country, a very strong network-based warfare capability can be developed.
- Real-time data sharing: Through this ‘kill chain’, fighter jets, ground radar and missile systems will share information with each other in real-time.
- Stealth quality will remain intact: When Su-57 connects to the radar network of S-400 present on the ground, the pilot will get information about the enemy in advance. Due to this, the aircraft will not have to activate its onboard radar again and again, due to which its stealth capability will remain completely safe.
- Power of Belka Radar: Su-57 itself is equipped with its state-of-the-art N036 Belka AESA radar and powerful onboard sensors. When these combine with the S-400 on the ground, it will become almost impossible for the enemy to escape into Indian airspace.
3. Manufacturing under license and Russia’s big offer:
Due to the constraints and strict rules in the purchase of American F-35, Russia’s Su-57 seems to be a viable option for India.
- Russia has offered India to domestically produce this aircraft under license and access to its ‘source code’.
- According to sources, recently Russian teams have already taken stock of HAL’s facilities and have found that India’s existing infrastructure can prove to be very helpful in the manufacturing of Su-57.
At present the Indian Air Force squadrons are running below the target, hence the need for fifth generation fighter jet after Rafale and Tejas remains constant.
For now, this strategy of sharpening the immediate combat capability through ‘Super Sukhoi’ upgrade and creating a lethal ‘kill chain’ for the future through Su-57 and S-400 strengthens India’s self-reliant and strong defense approach.
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