The Indian Air Force (IAF) are set to upgrade their 4th generation Sukhoi Su-30MK1s to keep them in service for another 30 years, intending to fly them until 2055..The first batch of 84 aircraft are said to be upgraded, with the work being done by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) over the course of 15 years. The IAF operates 254 Su-30MK1s, serving as the backbone of its combat fleet..The "SuperSukhois" will feature a locally made Virupaksha Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) expanding the range of its radar. The radar would allow the Su-30s to use longer range missiles such as the indigenously designed Astra-3 air-to-air missile or the latest version of the BrahMos cruise missile..The Astra-3 has a beyond visual range of 217 miles (350 km) compared to what's currently in service, the Astra-1, at 62 miles (100 km)..In addition to the new radar, all the onboard electronics will be Indian-made. The new capabilities will reportedly simulate a 5th-generation aircraft in every category except stealth capabilities. India is currently developing a 5th-generation fighter called the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The Indian Air Force (IAF) are set to upgrade their 4th generation Sukhoi Su-30MK1s to keep them in service for another 30 years, intending to fly them until 2055..The first batch of 84 aircraft are said to be upgraded, with the work being done by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) over the course of 15 years. The IAF operates 254 Su-30MK1s, serving as the backbone of its combat fleet..The "SuperSukhois" will feature a locally made Virupaksha Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) expanding the range of its radar. The radar would allow the Su-30s to use longer range missiles such as the indigenously designed Astra-3 air-to-air missile or the latest version of the BrahMos cruise missile..The Astra-3 has a beyond visual range of 217 miles (350 km) compared to what's currently in service, the Astra-1, at 62 miles (100 km)..In addition to the new radar, all the onboard electronics will be Indian-made. The new capabilities will reportedly simulate a 5th-generation aircraft in every category except stealth capabilities. India is currently developing a 5th-generation fighter called the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
