Having started the induction of Su-30MKI fighter jets about two decades ago, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is now planning to extend the service life of its Russian-origin combat aircraft by more than 20 years.
Noteworthy, the IAF has inducted 272 of the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft operating in its fleet and the twin-engine planes are going to be the mainstay of the force for at least the next 15-20 years.
The service life extension would help the Indian Air Force to maintain the fleet of its mighty Su-30s around 2045-2050.
Besides, IAF is also working on boosting the capabilities of the aircraft by equipping it with major upgrades in terms of indigenous advanced radars, avionics and weapon systems.
It is working to upgrade its fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets with indigenous weapon systems and radar named Virupaaksha which is being developed indigenously.
Reportedly, the IAF has been working on a mission mode to indigenize the equipment in its inventory and looking to buy equipment from Indian firms worth over Rs three lakh crore soon.
The Su-30MKI is a multi-role air dominance fighter that can carry a versatile array of weapons including the Astra Mk-1 long-range air-to-air missile, Brahmos Air Launched missile, and an array of bombs, among others.
