Super Su-30: India’s Rs 70,000 Crore Plan to Transform Its Main Fighter Jet

India is embarking on a transformative journey to modernize its air combat capabilities with the ambitious "Super-30" program, a comprehensive upgrade of its Su-30MKI fighter jets. With an estimated budget of Rs 63,000 to Rs 66,829 crore (approximately USD 7.5–7.8 billion), this initiative aims to enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) frontline multirole fighter to counter regional threats from Pakistan and China while addressing past operational shortcomings. Here’s a detailed look at what the upgraded Su-30MKI, dubbed the "Super Sukhoi," will bring to the skies.

Why the Super-30 Upgrade?

The Su-30MKI, a 4.5-generation fighter jet imported from Russia, has been the backbone of the IAF, with approximately 260 jets in its fleet. However, its limitations were exposed during the 2019 Balakot air strikes, where it struggled against Pakistan’s F-16s due to inferior radar and missile capabilities. For instance, the Su-30MKI’s R-77 missiles, with a beyond-visual-range (BVR) range of about 100 km, were outclassed by Pakistan’s PL-15E missiles, which boast a range of nearly 150 km. Additionally, regional competitors like China’s J-20 stealth fighter and Pakistan’s JF-17 Block 3 pose growing challenges, necessitating a significant upgrade to maintain air superiority.

The Super-30 project, set to modernize 84 jets in its first phase over the next 3–4 years, aims to address these gaps by equipping the Su-30MKI with cutting-edge technology, increasing its indigenous content to nearly 78%, and extending its operational life until around 2055.

Key Upgrades in the Super-30 Program

1. Virupaksha AESA Radar

The cornerstone of the upgrade is the integration of the DRDO-developed Virupaksha Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, built using gallium nitride (GaN) technology. Unlike the current N011M Bars passive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar, which has a detection range of about 190 miles, the Virupaksha can detect targets at 300–400 km, including low-observable stealth aircraft. This radar enhances simultaneous tracking and engagement of multiple threats, significantly boosting the jet’s situational awareness and lethality.

2. Advanced Avionics and Mission Computer

The Super-30 program includes a fully digitized cockpit and an advanced mission computer based on a 64-bit PowerPC architecture. Developed by the Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE), the new Digital Flight Control Computer (DFCC) will enable seamless integration of modern radar systems, electronic warfare suites, and precision-guided munitions. This upgrade ensures the Su-30MKI can handle complex mission profiles, including air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare, with real-time decision-making capabilities.

3. Indigenous Missiles for Enhanced Strike Power

The upgraded Su-30MKI will carry a suite of indigenous missiles, significantly enhancing its combat capabilities:

• Astra MK-2 and Astra MK-3 Gandiva: These air-to-air missiles, capable of engaging targets at 300 km, will provide superior BVR capabilities, closing the gap with rivals like the PL-15.
• BrahMos-A Cruise Missile: A supersonic cruise missile for precision strikes against land and naval targets.
• Rudram-II Anti-Radiation Missile: Designed to neutralize enemy radar and air defense systems, enhancing the jet’s survivability in contested environments.

These missiles, combined with improved sensor fusion, will make the Su-30MKI a formidable multirole platform.

4. Electronic Warfare and Survivability

The Super-30 program includes advanced electronic warfare (EW) suites to counter jamming and enhance survivability. Upgraded radar warning receivers (RWR), infrared search and track (IRST) sensors, and jammers will improve the jet’s ability to evade missile threats and operate in electronically contested environments. Network-enabling features may also allow the Su-30MKI to receive targeting cues from ground-based S-400 systems and airborne AEW&CS platforms, extending its engagement range.

5. Potential Engine Upgrades

While the airframe and engines remain largely unchanged in the initial phase, discussions are underway for mid-life engine refits. Russia has offered the Izdeliye 177S engine, a derivative of the AL-41F1 with enhanced stealth features and a higher thrust-to-weight ratio, which could be retrofitted to extend the Su-30MKI’s service life. This upgrade would improve maneuverability and performance, aligning the jet with modern combat requirements.

Strategic Context and Regional Impact

The Super-30 program is part of India’s broader defense modernization strategy, driven by ongoing tensions with Pakistan and China, particularly following Operation Sindoor in May 2025. The operation highlighted the Su-30MKI’s role in providing air cover and delivering BrahMos strikes, but also underscored the need for upgrades to counter advanced threats like China’s J-20 and Pakistan’s JF-17.

By integrating indigenous systems like the Virupaksha radar and Astra missiles, India is reducing its dependency on foreign suppliers, aligning with the “Make in India” and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The involvement of private players, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the lead integrator, further boosts domestic defense manufacturing.

The upgraded Su-30MKI is expected to outclass Pakistan’s F-16s, which posed challenges during the Balakot strikes, and compete effectively against regional rivals. Concurrently, India is pursuing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program to develop a homegrown fifth-generation stealth fighter, ensuring a twin-track strategy of modernizing existing platforms while preparing for future warfare.

Challenges and Timeline

The Super-30 program, while ambitious, faces challenges such as supply chain disruptions and the complexity of integrating advanced systems. The upgrade of 84 jets is expected to take 3–4 years, with potential delays due to the scale of the project. Additionally, while Russia’s support for technologies like the S-400 and potential engine upgrades strengthens the partnership, India’s push for indigenization may reduce reliance on foreign assistance in the long term.

Conclusion

The Super-30 program represents a bold step toward transforming the Su-30MKI into a near-fifth-generation fighter, ensuring the IAF’s dominance in the region for decades to come. With advanced radar, indigenous missiles, and cutting-edge avionics, the “Super Sukhoi” will address past weaknesses, enhance combat readiness, and bolster India’s deterrence capabilities against evolving threats. As the IAF bridges its squadron shortfall and prepares for next-generation warfare, the Super-30 upgrade underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance and air superiority.