In light of the phased retirement of the MiG-21 Bisons, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is significantly enhancing the capabilities of its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet to bridge any operational gaps. This initiative involves a comprehensive upgrade program, often referred to as "Super Sukhoi," aimed at transforming these aircraft into near 5th-generation fighters.

The IAF currently operates over 270 Su-30MKI aircraft, which form the backbone of its fighter fleet. These jets, built under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are equipped with thrust-vectoring engines, long-range radar, and can carry BrahMos missiles. The Su-30MKI is a twin-engine multirole air superiority fighter tailored for the IAF. It can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.0 and engage multiple targets simultaneously.

The "Super Sukhoi" upgrade program is a large-scale modernization effort that will affect approximately 75% of the Su-30MKI fleet, encompassing around 200 aircraft. The upgrades are intended to extend the aircraft's service life by 30 years and ensure its viability against advanced adversaries. The modernization is estimated to cost between ₹60,000 and ₹70,000 crore.

Key elements of the upgrade include:

• Advanced AESA Radars: The Su-30MKI will be equipped with indigenous 'Virupaksha' advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, increasing the detection range. These radars, developed by DRDO's Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), boast over 2,400 Gallium Nitride (GaN) Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs) and promise detection ranges exceeding 300 km.
• Enhanced Avionics: The upgrade includes integrating Indian-made avionics, radar, and mission computers. A fully digital glass cockpit featuring large touchscreens will improve pilot situational awareness. A new mission computer will handle the increased processing power required by the upgraded avionics. The aircraft will also feature an AI-infused cockpit to automate routine tasks.
• Longer-Range Weapons: The upgraded Su-30MKI will be armed with Astra MK2 and Astra MK3 air-to-air missiles, providing deadly reach in long-range engagements. The integration of the Astra missile enhances the aircraft's Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagement capability.
• Electronic Warfare Suite: An advanced electronic warfare suite will be installed to jam enemy radars and missiles, making the Su-30MKI harder to detect and target.
• Multi-Sensor Data Fusion: HAL is establishing dedicated infrastructure and a simulation facility to focus on integrating and testing multi-sensor data fusion. This will empower pilots with real-time, AI-assisted decision-making.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will lead the execution of this project in a phased manner to maintain operational readiness. The first phase, approved in 2023, is scheduled to commence in 2030 with an initial batch of 84 aircraft. HAL has commenced groundwork on specialized facilities at its Nashik and Bengaluru divisions to handle the comprehensive overhaul of the aircraft.

The IAF aims to incorporate 78% indigenous components in the upgraded aircraft, boosting local manufacturing and reducing dependency on foreign suppliers. The upgraded Su-30MKI will also be capable of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), allowing it to control drone swarms and unmanned assets.

While an engine upgrade with the advanced AL-41F-S1 engine has been proposed by Moscow, the IAF has opted not to include it in the current modernization plan.

With these upgrades, the IAF aims to keep the Su-30MKI as a frontline fighter until 2055. The "Super Sukhoi" program will transform the Su-30MKI into a cutting-edge 4.7-generation fighter, surpassing many current 4.5-generation platforms in capability.