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Su-30MKI
AnIndian Air ForceSu-30MKI
General information
TypeMultirole fighter,air superiority fighter,Fighter-bomber[1]
National originRussia / India
ManufacturerHindustan Aeronautics Limited
DesignerSukhoi
StatusIn service
Primary userIndian Air Force
Number built272 as of March 2020[2][3]
History
ManufacturedSu-30MKI: 2000–present
Introduction date27 September 2002
First flightSu-30МК: 1 July 1997;27 years ago(1997-07-01)
Su-30MKI: 2000;24 years ago(2000)
Developed fromSukhoi Su-30
VariantsSukhoi Su-30MKM
Sukhoi Su-30MKA

TheSukhoi Su-30MKI[a](NATO reporting name:Flanker-H) is a two-seater,twinjetmultiroleair superiority fighterdeveloped by Russian aircraft manufacturerSukhoiand built under licence by India'sHindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) for theIndian Air Force(IAF). A variant of theSukhoi Su-30,it is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter.

Development of the variant started after India signed a deal with Russia in 2000 to manufacture 140 Su-30 fighter jets.[4]The first Russian-made Su-30MKI variant was accepted into the Indian Air Force in 2002,[5]while the first Su-30MKI assembled in India entered service with the IAF in November 2004.[6]The IAF has nearly 260 Su-30MKIs in inventory as of January 2020.[7]The Su-30MKI is expected to form the backbone of the IAF's fighter fleet to 2020 and beyond.[8]

The aircraft is tailor-made for Indian specifications and integrates Indian systems and avionics as well as French and Israeli sub-systems.[9]It has abilities similar to theSukhoi Su-35with which it shares many features and components.[b][10]

Development

[edit]

Origins and acquisition

[edit]

The Su-30MKI was designed by Russia's Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India'sHindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL).[11][12]The Su-30MKI is derived from theSukhoi Su-27and has a fusion of technology from the Su-37 demonstrator and Su-30 program,[13]being more advanced than the baselineSu-30.[13]Russia's Defence Ministrywas impressed with the type'sperformance envelopeand ordered 30 Su-30SMs, a localised Su-30MKI, for theRussian Air Force.[14]It features state of the art avionics developed by Russia, India and Israel for display, navigation, targeting and electronic warfare; France and South Africa provided other avionics.[15][16]

After two years of evaluation and negotiations, on 30 November 1996, India signed a US$1.462 billion deal with Sukhoi for 50 Russian-produced Su-30MKIs in five batches. The first batch were eight Su-30Ks, the basic export version of Su-30 (designated Su-30MKI-I by India). The second batch of 10 were also Su-30Ks, but equipped with French and Israeli avionics (designated Su-30MKI-I by India). The third batch were to be 10 Su-30MKIs featuringcanardforeplanes. The fourth batch of 12 Su-30MKIs and fifth batch of 10 Su-30MKIs were to have the AL-31FP turbofans. Initially, the Su-30Ks were to be upgraded to final Su-30MKI configuration but were instead returned to Russia between 2007 and 2011.[17]

In October 2000, amemorandum of understanding(MoU) was signed for Indian licence-production of 140 Su-30MKIs; in December 2000, a deal was sealed at Russia's Irkutsk aircraft plant for full technology transfer. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered 272 aircraft, of which 50 were to be delivered by Russia in 2002-2004 and 2007. The rest of 222 planes are to be produced under license at HAL's Indian facilities in 2004.[18]The first Nasik-built Su-30MKIs were to be delivered by 2004, with staggered production until 2017–18. In November 2002, the delivery schedule was expedited with production to be completed by 2015.[19]An estimated 920 AL-31FP turbofans are to be manufactured at HAL's Koraput Division, while the mainframe and other accessories are to be manufactured at HAL's Lucknow and Hyderabad divisions. Final integration and test flights of the aircraft are carried out at HAL's Nasik Division.[20]Four manufacturing phases were outlined with progressively increasing Indian content: Phase I, II, III and IV. In phase I, HAL manufactured the Su-30MKIs from knocked-down kits, transitioning to semi knocked-down kits in phase II and III; in phase IV, HAL produced aircraft from scratch from 2013 onwards.[21][22]

IAF Su-30MKI

In 2007, another order of 40 Su-30MKIs was placed. In 2009, the planned fleet strength was to be 230 aircraft.[23]In 2008, Samtel HAL Display Systems (SHDS), a joint venture between Samtel Display Systems and HAL, won a contract to develop and manufacturemulti-functionavionicsdisplays for the MKI.[24]Ahelmet mounted display,Topsight-I, based on technology from Thales and developed by SHDS will be integrated on the Su-30MKI in the next upgrade. In March 2010, it was reported that India and Russia were discussing a contract for 42 more Su-30MKIs.[citation needed]In June 2010, it was reported that theCabinet Committee on Securityhad cleared the₹15,000 crore(US$1.8 billion) deal and that the 42 aircraft would be in service by 2018.[25][26]

By August 2010, the cost increased to $4.3 billion or $102 million each.[27]This increased unit cost compared to the previous unit cost of $40 million in 2007, has led to the rumours that these latest order of 42 Su-30MKIs are for theStrategic Forces Command(SFC) and these aircraft will be optimised and hardwired for nuclear weapons delivery. The SFC had previously submitted a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry for setting up two dedicated squadrons of fighters consisting of 40 aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons.[28]

HAL expected that indigenisation of the Su-30MKI programme would be completed by 2010; V. Balakrishnan, general manager of the Aircraft Manufacturing Division stated that "HAL will achieve 100 per cent indigenisation of the Sukhoi aircraft – from the production of raw materials to the final plane assembly".[29]As of 2017, HAL manufactures more than 80% of the aircraft.[30]On 11 October 2012, the Indian Government confirmed plans to buy another 42 Su-30MKI aircraft.[31]On 24 December 2012, India ordered assembly kits for 42 Su-30MKIs by signing a deal during President Putin's visit to India.[citation needed]This increases India's order total to 272 Su-30MKIs.[31]

In June 2018, India has reportedly decided not to order any further Su-30s as they feel its cost of maintenance is very high compared to Western aircraft.[32]

In June 2020, India decided to place an order for 12 more Su-30MKI aircraft along with 21 MiG-29s. The Su-30MKI order is to compensate for losses due to crashes to maintain the sanctioned strength of 272 Su-30MKIs. The MiG-29 order was placed to form a fourth MiG-29 squadron to bolster depleted IAF strength. The MiGs were ordered despite being an older platform since they were deliverable within a 2-3-year timeframe, because they were built for an order that was previously canceled and since they were very reasonably priced compared to newer aircraft.[33]

Upgrades

[edit]
IAF Su-30MKI firing Brahmos-ER

In 2004, India signed a deal with Russia to domestically produce theNovator K-100missile, designed to shoot downairborne early warning and control(AEW&C) andC4ISTARaircraft, for the Su-30MKI,[34]however the project did not proceed.[citation needed]Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, India has considered integrating an air-launched version of the nuclear-capableNirbhay.[35]

In May 2010,India Todayreported that Russia had won a contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs with newradars,onboard computers,electronic warfare systemsand the ability to carry theBrahMoscruise missile.The first two prototypes with the "Super-30" upgrade will be delivered to the IAF in 2012, after which the upgrades will be performed on the last batch of 40 production aircraft.[36]The Brahmos missile integrated on the Su-30MKI will provide the capability to attack ground targets from stand-off ranges of around 300 km.[37]On 25 June 2016, HAL conducted the first test flight of a Su-30MKI fitted with a BrahMos-A missile fromNashik,India. The first air launch of BrahMos from a Su-30MKI was successfully carried out on 22 November 2017.[38][39]

India was planning to upgrade its Su-30MKI fighters with RussianPhazotronZhuk-AEActive electronically scanned array(AESA) radars. TheX bandradar can track 30 aerial targets in the track-while-scan mode and engage six targets simultaneously in attack mode. AESA technology offers improved performance and reliability compared with traditional mechanically scanned array radars.[40]On 18 August 2010,India's Minister of DefenceA K Antonystated the current estimated cost for the upgrade was₹10,920 crore(US$1 billion) and the aircraft are likely to be upgraded in phases beginning in 2012.[41]

The Indian Defence Ministry proposed several upgrades for the Su-30MKI to the Indian Parliament, including the fitting of Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE AESA radars starting in 2012.[42]During MMRCA trials the Zhuk-AE AESA radar demonstrated significant capabilities, including ground-mapping modes and the ability to detect and track aerial targets.[43]At the 2011 MAKS air-show,Irkutchairman Alexy Fedorov offered an upgrade package with an improved radar, and reduced radar signature to the Indian fleet to make them "Super Sukhois".[44][45]

But the plan for equipping the jets with Russian AESA radar was dropped in favor of phase wise upgradation of the jets with Indian avionics like by equipping the jets with Indian made Uttam AESA.[46]The jets got the first phase Super Sukhoi upgrade with the addition of theAstra (missile),a 110 km range BVR missile more capable than the R-77; India also started to replace the Russian made fly-by-wire system with an Indian-made Flight Control system and even adopted a new digital RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) to replace the outdated manual Radar Warning Receiver previously used.[47]

In 2012, upgrades of the earlier 80 Su-30MKIs involves equipping them with stand-off missiles with a range of 300 km; a request for information (ROI) was issued for such weapons.[48]In 2011, India issued a request for information to MBDA for the integration of theBrimstoneground attack missile and the long-rangeMeteorair-to-air missile.[49]

In February 2017, it was reported that the planes would be upgraded withAL-41Fturbofan engines, the same as the ones on theSukhoi Su-35.[citation needed]In August 2017, the Indian government cleared a proposal of₹30,000 crore(US$4 billion) to equip the planes with new reconnaissance pods.[50]

India is planning to increase the Su-30MKI's BVR engagement capability by arming its entire fleet with the indigenousAstraBVR missile.[51]having a range of 110 km[52]and the IsraeliDerbyafter it was found that theR-77active-radar homing BVR missile has inadequate performance.[53]In September 2019, the Astra was in multiple user-trials by Indian Air Force to validate its lethality for the Su-30MKI.[54]

Super Sukhoi

[edit]

The Super Sukhoi is a programme to upgrade IAF's Su-30MKI fleet which is known as the backbone of its fleet. The upgrade will be carried out byHindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) with the support ofDefence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) and several private companies. Overall, 51 systems will be upgraded including 30 by HAL, 13 by DRDO and 8 by private sector companies.[55][56]

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the Rs 60,000 crore upgrade programme on 30 November 2023.[57]

Under this upgrade many older Russian subsystems will be replaced by more modern Indian subsystems. Initially, around 90 aircraft will be upgraded to these standards. According to a report, "The project is divided into two phases, focusing initially on installing new avionics and radars, followed by enhancements to the flight control systems." "The upgrade will see significant private sector participation, with HAL as the lead integrator," CMD of HAL CB Ananthakrishnan said.[55]

The current radar will be replaced with a modern AESA radar,DRDO Virupaksharadar (enhanced variant ofUttam AESA Radar) which will increase the detection range by 1.5 to 1.7 times making the jets capable to operate long range weapons likeAstra Mk3.[56]Electronic Warfarecapabilities of Sukhoi-30MKI would be enhanced by Indigenous DARE's High Band Jammer Pod (HBT), Dhruti Radar Warning System, and a Dual Color Missile Approach Warning System.[58]The programme also includes upgrade and repair ofAL-31FPengines.[55]

In May 2024, DRDO'sCASDICreleased an Expression of Interest (EoI) to collaborate with a Development-cum-Production Partner (DccP) to develop an indigenousElectronic Warfaresuite. The allocated timeframe for Design and Development (D&D) 32 months. This programme includes integration, testing and trials of the system that is developed.[59]

The jets will also be modified to fireBrahMos-ERmissiles. The project is expected to get final approval fromCabinet Committee on Securitysoon. The total project will take 15 years of time which includes 7 years of development and flight testing and subsequent upgradation and induction of 84 jets.[56]

In August 2024, a report suggested that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has prepared to sign a deal with HAL to purchase 230AL-31FPengines under a₹21,000crore(US$2.5 billion) deal to replace older engines. A total of 950 engines are required.[60][61]On 2 September,Cabinet Committee on Security(CCS) approved the purchase of 240 such engines for₹26,000crore(US$3.1 billion). The delivery of the engines will continue from 1 year of signing the contract to 8th year of signing the contract. The engines will be manufactured in HAL's Engine DivisionKoraputand will have an indigenous content of 54%.[62]The contract was signed officially on 9 September 2024.[63]The first engine was deliered on 1 October 2024 while all the engines will be delivered within 8 years.[64]

Licensed export

[edit]

In 2024, Indian media reported negotiations between HAL and Russia for exporting Indian-produced Su-30MKIs. This may be to circumvent Americaneconomic sanctionson the export of Russian weapons and their technology.[65]

Design

[edit]
Su-30MKI'scanardsand thrustvectoring nozzlesare two prominent features over the basic MK variant.[66]
Nosewheel of a Su-30MKI; note the externally mounted drag brace is fixed to the fuselage instead of the gear leg
Two Su-30MKIs during aThach Weavemanoeuvre
N011MBars radar
OLS optical detection pod used on Sukhoi aircraft.
Elta EL/M-8222 Self-Protection Pod mounted on Under wing pylon
Tail section of a Su-30MKI. Note the thrust vectoring of the engine nozzles

Characteristics

[edit]

The Su-30MKI is a highly integratedtwin-finnedaircraft. The airframe is constructed oftitaniumand high-strengthaluminium alloys.The engineintake rampsandnacellesare fitted withtrouser fairingsto provide a continuous streamlined profile between the nacelles and the tail beams. Thefins and horizontal tail consolesare attached to tail beams. The central beam section between the engine nacelles consists of the equipment compartment, fuel tank and thebrake parachutecontainer. Thefuselagehead is of semi-monocoqueconstruction and includes thecockpit,radarcompartments and theavionicsbay.

Su-30MKI aerodynamic configuration is a longitudinal triplane withrelaxed stability.Thecanardincreases the aircraftliftability and deflects automatically to allow highangle of attack(AoA) flights allowing it to performPugachev's Cobra.The integral aerodynamic configuration combined withthrust vectoringresults in extremely capable manoeuvrability, taking off and landing characteristics. This high agility allows rapid deployment of weapons in any direction as desired by the crew. The canard notably assists in controlling the aircraft at large angles-of-attack and bringing it to a level flight condition. The aircraft has afly-by-wire(FBW) with quadruple redundancy. Dependent on flight conditions, signals from thecontrol stickposition transmitter or the FCS may be coupled to remote control amplifiers and combined with feedback signals from acceleration sensors and rategyros.The resultant control signals are coupled to the high-speedelectro-hydraulic actuatorsof theelevators,ruddersand the canard. The output signals are compared and, if the difference is significant, the faulty channel is disconnected. FBW is based on astallwarning and barrier mechanism which prevents stalls through dramatic increases of control stick pressure, allowing apilotto effectively control the aircraft without exceeding theangle of attackand acceleration limitations. Although the maximum angle of attack is limited by the canards, the FBW acts as an additional safety mechanism.

The Su-30MKI has a range of 3,000 km with internal fuel which ensures a 3.75 hour combat mission. Also, it has an in-flight refueling (IFR) probe that retracts beside the cockpit during normal operation. The air refueling system increases the flight duration up to 10 hours with a range of 3,000 km combat radius.[67]Su-30MKIs can also use the Cobham 754 buddy refueling pods.[68][69]

The Su-30MKI'sradar cross-section(RCS) is reportedly from 4 to 20 square metres.[70][71]

Cockpit

[edit]

The displays include a customised version of the IsraeliElbitSu 967head-up display(HUD) consisting of bi-cubicphase conjugatedholographic displaysand seven multifunctionliquid-crystal displays,six 127 mm × 127 mm and one 152 mm × 152 mm. Flight information is displayed on four LCD displays which include one for piloting and navigation, a tactical situation indicator, and two for display systems information including operating modes and overall status. Variants of this HUD have also been chosen for the IAF'sMikoyan MiG-27andSEPECAT Jaguarupgrades for standardisation. The rear cockpit has a largermonochromedisplay for air-to-surfacemissile guidance.[citation needed]

The Su-30MKI on-board health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) monitors almost every aircraft system and sub-system, and can also act as an engineeringdata recorder.From 2010, indigenously designed and built HUDs and Multi-Function Displays (MFD) were produced by the Delhi-basedSamtel GroupDisplay Systems.[72]

The crew are provided with zero-zeroNPP Zvezda K-36DM ejection seats. The rear seat is raised for better visibility. The cockpit is provided with containers to store food and water reserves, a waste disposal system and extraoxygen bottles.The K-36DM ejection seat is inclined at 30°, to help the pilot resist aircraft accelerations in air combat.

Avionics

[edit]

The forward-facingNIIP N011M Bars(Panther) is a powerful integratedpassive electronically scanned arrayradar. The N011M is a digital multi-mode dual frequency band radar.[73]The N011M can function in air-to-air and air-to-land/sea mode simultaneously while being tied into a high-precision laser-inertial or GPS navigation system. It is equipped with a modern digital weapons control system as well as anti-jamming features. N011M has a 400 km search range and a maximum 200 km tracking range, and 60 km in the rear hemisphere.[74]The radar can track 15 air targets and engage 4 simultaneously.[74]These targets can even includecruise missilesand motionless helicopters. The Su-30MKI can function as amini-AWACSas a director or command post for other aircraft. The target co-ordinates can be transferred automatically to at least four other aircraft. The radar can detect ground targets such astanksat 40–50 km.[74]The Bars radar was planned to be replaced byZhuk-AESAin all Su-30MKI aircraft, but this has since been abandoned in favor of indigenous upgrades.[75]

OLS-30laser-opticalInfra-red search and trackincludes a day and nightFLIRcapability and is used in conjunction with the helmet mounted sighting system. The OLS-30 is a combined IRST/LR device using a cooled, broad waveband sensor. Detection range is up to 90 km, while the laser ranger is effective to 3.5 km. Targets are displayed on the same LCD display as the radar. IsraeliLITENINGtargeting podis used to target laser guided munitions. The original Litening pod includes a long range FLIR, a TV camera, laser spot tracker to pick up target designated by other aircraft or ground forces, and an electro-optical point and inertial tracker, which enables engagement of the target even when partly obscured by clouds or countermeasures; it also integrates a laser range-finder and flash-lamp powered laser designator for the delivery oflaser-guided bombs,cluster and general-purpose bomb.[citation needed]

The aircraft is fitted with a satellite navigation system (A-737GPScompatible), which permits it to make flights in all weather, day and night. The navigation complex includes the high accuracySAGEMSigma-95 integratedglobal positioning systemandring laser gyroscopeinertial navigationsystem. Phase 3 of further development of the MKI, will integrate avionic systems being developed for the Indo-RussianFifth Generation Fighter Aircraftprogramme.[76]

Sukhoi Su-30MKI has electronic counter-measure systems. The RWR system is of Indian design, developed by India's DRDO, calledTarang,(Wavein English). It has direction finding capability and is known to have a programmable threat library. The RWR is derived from work done on an earlier system for India'sMiG-23BNsknown as the Tranquil, which is now superseded by the more advanced Tarang series. Elta EL/M-8222 a self-protection jammer developed by Israel Aircraft Industries is the MKI's standard EW pod, which the Israeli Air Force uses on its F-15s. The ELTA El/M-8222 Self Protection Pod is a power-managed jammer, air-cooled system with an ESM receiver integrated into the pod. The pod contains an antenna on the forward and aft ends, which receive the hostile RF signal and after processing deliver the appropriate response.

Propulsion

[edit]

The Su-30MKI is powered by two Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FP turbofans, each rated at 12,500kgf(27,550lbf) of full after-burning thrust, which enable speeds of up to Mach 2 in horizontal flight and a rate of climb of 230 m/s. The mean time between overhaul is reportedly 1,000 hours with a full-life span of 3,000 hours; the titanium nozzle has a mean time between overhaul of 500 hours. In early 2015, Defence MinisterManohar Parrikarstated before Parliament that the AL-31FP had suffered numerous failures, between the end of 2012 and early 2015, a total of 69 Su-30MKI engine-related failures had occurred; commons causes werebearingfailures due tometal fatigueand low oil pressure, in response several engine modifications were made to improve lubrication, as well as the use of higher quality oil and adjustments to the fitting of bearings.[77]

The Su-30MKI's AL-31FP powerplant built on the earlier AL-31FU, adding two-planethrust vectoringnozzles are mounted 32 degrees outward to longitudinal engine axis (i.e. in the horizontal plane) and can be deflected ±15 degrees in one plane. The canting allows the aircraft to produce both roll and yaw by vectoring each engine nozzle differently; this allows the aircraft to create thrust vectoring moments about all three rotational axes,pitch, yaw and roll.Engine thrust is adjusted via a conventional engine throttle lever as opposed to a strain-gauge engine control stick. The aircraft is controlled by a standard control stick. The pilot can activate a switch for performing difficult maneuvers; while this is enabled, the computer automatically determines the deflection angles of the swiveling nozzles and aerodynamic surfaces.[78]

Operational history

[edit]
IAF Su-30MKIs deployed to the Nellis Air Force Base to participate in the Red Flag 08-4 air combat exercise

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the most potent fighter jet in service with the Indian Air Force in the late 2000s.[79]The MKIs are often fielded by the IAF in bilateral and multilateralair exercises.India exercised its Su-30MKIs against theRoyal Air Force'sTornado ADVsin October 2006.[80]This was the first large-scale bilateral aerial exercise with any foreign air force during which the IAF used its Su-30MKIs extensively. This exercise was also the first in 43 years with the RAF. During the exercise, the RAF Air Chief Marshal Glenn Torpy was given permission by the IAF to fly the MKI.[81]RAF's Air Vice Marshal, Christopher Harper, praised the MKI's dogfight ability, calling it "absolutely masterful in dogfights".[82]

Su-30 MKI doing in-flight refueling fromIlyushin Il-78during Konkan Shakti 21

In July 2007, the Indian Air Force fielded the Su-30MKI during theIndra-Dhanushexercise with Royal Air Force'sEurofighter Typhoon.This was the first time that the two fighters took part in such an exercise.[83][84]The IAF did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011MBars radarsystem.[85]Also in the exercise were RAF Tornado F3s and a Hawk. RAF Tornado pilots were candid in their admission of the Su-30MKI's superior manoeuvring in the air, and the IAF pilots were impressed by the Typhoon's agility.[86]

In 2004, India sent Su-30MKs, an earlier variant of the Su-30MKI, to take part in war games with theUnited States Air Force(USAF) duringCope India04.The results have been widely publicised, with the Indians winning "90% of the mock combat missions" against the USAF's F-15C. The parameters of the exercise heavily favored the IAF; none of the six 3rd Wing F-15Cs were equipped with the newer long-range, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and, at India's request, the U.S. agreed to mock combat at 3-to-1 odds and without the use of simulated long-range, radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAMs for beyond-visual-range kills.[87][88]In Cope India 05, the Su-30MKIs reportedly beat the USAF'sF-16s.[89]

In July 2008, the IAF sent 6 Su-30MKIs and 2Il-78MKIaerial-refueling tankers, to participate in theRed Flag exercise.[90]The IAF again did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011M Bars. In October 2008, a video surfaced on the internet which featured a USAF colonel, Terrence Fornof, criticising Su-30MKI's performance against the F-15C, engine serviceability issues, and high friendly kill rate during the Red Flag exercise.[91][92]Several of his claims were later rebutted by the Indian side and the USAF also distanced itself from his remarks.[93][94]

In June 2010, India and France began the fourth round of their joint air exercises, "Garuda", at the Istres Air Base in France. During Garuda, the IAF and theFrench Air Forcewere engaged in various missions ranging from close combat engagement of large forces, slow mover protection, protecting and engaging high value aerial assets. This exercise marked the first time the Su-30MKI took part in a military exercise in France.[95]

The Indian Air Force first took part in theUnited States Air Force'sRed Flag exercisein 2008. Participating in Red Flag costs the IAF₹100 crore (US$17.5 million) each time. To reduce costs, the IAF decided to take part once every five years. The IAF is taking part[needs update]in the Red Flag exercise in July 2013, atNellis Air Force Base,Nevada,United States.For the exercise, it is dispatching[needs update]eight Su-30MKIs, twoLockheed C-130J Herculestactical aircraft, twoIlyushin Il-78(NATO reporting name"Midas" ) mid-air refueling tankers, oneIlyushin Il-76(NATO reporting name "Candid" ) heavy-lift aircraft, and over 150 personnel.[96]

The IAF again fielded its MKIs in the Garuda-V exercise with France in June 2014, where they manoeuvred in mixed groups with other IAF aircraft and FrenchRafales.[97][98]

RAF Typhoon and Su-30MKI during Indradhanush 2015.

On 21 July 2015, India and UK began the bilateral exercise namedIndradhanushwith aircraft operating from three Royal Air Force bases. The exercises included both Beyond Visual Range (BVR) and Within Visual Range (WVR) exercises between the Su-30MKI andEurofighter Typhoon.Indian media reported the results were in favour of the IAF with a score of 12–0 at WVR engagements. They also claim that the IAF Su-30MKIs held an edge over the Typhoons in BVR engagements though not in as dominating a manner.[99]The RAF issued a statement that the results being reported by the Indian media did not reflect the results of the exercise.[100]According toAviation International News,"In close combat, thrust vector control on the Flankers more than compensated for the greater thrust-to-weight ratio of the Typhoon".[101]

On 26 February 2019, four Sukhoi Su-30MKIs escorted Mirage 2000s into Pakistan for theBalakot airstrikewhich reportedly destroyed aJaish-e-Mohammedterrorist camp.[102][103][104]The following day, two Su-30MKIs oncombat air patrolwere attacked by multiple Pakistani F-16s usingAMRAAMmissiles. The missiles were successfully dodged.[105][106]The debris of an AMRAAM missile was later recovered and displayed by the IAF to disprove the Pakistani claim of not using the F-16 as Pakistan can only use F-16s.[107]PAF claimed that it had downed an Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI in the aerial skirmish.[108]The Indian Air Force stated that all dispatched Sukhoi aircraft returned safely with the only confirmed loss was a MiG-21.[109][110][111]On 8 October 2019, during the Indian Air Force Day celebrations, the IAF flew the Su-30MKI that Pakistan claimed to have shot down.[112][113]

On 18 March 2022, it was reported that India ordered 12 Su-30MKIs.[114]In May 2022, the Indian government suspended the Su-30MKI order due to concerns over Moscow's ability to deliver parts to Hindustan Aeronautics and issues related to payment transfers.[115]

On 15 September 2023, the Indian government preliminarily approved Rs 11,500 crore to procure 12 Su-30MKIs for the air force with more than 60% indigenous content to replace jets that have crashed.[116]

In 2024, IAF deployed 4 Su-30MKIs to multinationalExercise Pitch Black2024 hosted byRoyal Australian Air Forcewhich will be held from July 12 to August 2. The long distance flight is supported byIl-78MKImid-air refueller,C-17 Globemasterand a hault inHalim,Indonesia. The Indian contingent conprises of 150 personnel including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and other subject matter experts. This will be the largest version of the exercise since its inception in 1981.[117][118][119]The same contingent participated in Exercise Udara Shakti withSukhoi Su-30MKMof theRoyal Malaysian Air Forcewhich was conducted from 5th to 9th August atKuantan,Malaysia.[120][121]The contingent returned to India on 10 August 2024.[122]

On 23 August 2024, reports emerged that an IAF fighter aircraft had "inadvertently" released an "air store" overPokhran.An investigation was launched on the matter. Later, it was confirmed that the concerned aircraft was Su-30MKI while the air store was aRampagemissile.[123][124][125]

Operators

[edit]
Indian Air Force Su-30MKI
A Sukhoi Su-30MKI of theNo. 102 Squadron IAFflying over Lengeri village,Assam,India.
India

Accidents and incidents

[edit]

As of March 2024,12 Su-30MKIs had been lost to crashes since the introduction of aircraft in 2000.[139]

In August 2022, an Su-30MKI crashed in a paddy field in Assam after suffering a technical failure.[140]

On 28 January 2023, an Su-30MKI and aMirage 2000Hof theTACDEwere involved in a mid-air collision. The Mirage-2000H pilot and instructor,Wing CommanderHanumanth Rao Sarathi, was unable to eject and died in the accident, whereas the two pilots flying the Su-30MKI, ejected and were hospitalised with minor injuries. Both fighter jets had taken off fromMaharajpur AFS,Gwaliorfor a training mission.[141][142]

On 4 June 2024, an Su-30MKI, registered as SB-182, crashed in a farm in Shirasgaon village inNashik district.The pilots includingWing commanderBokil and Second-in-command Biswas ejected safely from the aircraft. An investigation has been ordered by the Indian Air Force about the cause of the accident.[127][140]

Specifications (Su-30MKI)

[edit]
BrahMosmissile under Su-30MKI model at MAKS-2009

Data fromIrkut,[143]Sukhoi,[144]deagel[145]

General characteristics

  • Crew:2
  • Length:21.935 m (72 ft 0 in)
  • Wingspan:14.7 m (48 ft 3 in)
  • Height:6.36 m (20 ft 10 in)
  • Wing area:62 m2(670 sq ft)
  • Empty weight:18,400 kg (40,565 lb)
  • Gross weight:26,090 kg (57,519 lb) (typical mission weight)[143]
  • Max takeoff weight:38,800 kg (85,539 lb)
  • Fuel capacity:9640 kg (internal)[144]
  • Powerplant:2 ×Lyulka AL-31FPafterburningturbofanengines, 123 kN (28,000 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

  • Maximum speed:2,120 km/h (1,320 mph, 1,140 kn) /Mach2.0 at high altitude
1,350 km/h (840 mph; 730 kn) / M1.09 at low altitude
  • Range:3,000 km (1,900 mi, 1,600 nmi) at high altitude
1,270 km (790 mi; 690 nmi) at low altitude
  • Ferry range:8,000 km (5,000 mi, 4,300 nmi) with two in-flight refuellings[144]
  • Service ceiling:17,300 m (56,800 ft)
  • g limits:+9
  • Rate of climb:300 m/s (59,000 ft/min)+
  • Wing loading:401 kg/m2(82 lb/sq ft)

Armament

Other

Avionics

See also

[edit]

Related development

Related lists

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^MKI stands forRussianМодернизированный Коммерческий Индийский,transliterationModernizirovannyy Kommercheskiy Indiyskiy,meaning "Modernised Commercial for India".
  2. ^A close cousin of the Su-30MKI is the Malaysian version, theSu-30MKM.

Citations

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Bibliography

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  • Eden, Paul, ed. (2004).The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft.London, UK: Amber Books.ISBN1-904687-84-9.
  • Gordon, Yefim (1999).Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker: Air Superiority Fighter.London: Airlife Publishing.ISBN1-84037-029-7.
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