Delhi continues its active cooperation with Moscow, with talks underway about a potentially large contract to modernize Su-30MKI fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. Preparations to finalize the contract are now actively underway.
In particular, russian specialists recently visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, according to New Indian Express. The potential upgrade would cover about 175 Su-30MKI fighters, roughly 65% of the total fleet in service.
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The deal is driven by the limited scope of India's Super Sukhoi program, which includes just 84 fighters. Moreover, the process is expected to be lengthy, with preliminary estimates suggesting it could take 10 to 15 years. At the same time, according to the publication, the Indian Ministry of Defense believes that splitting the modernization process will help maintain the high combat readiness of its air fleet.
The russian modernization plan includes replacing the AL-31 engine with the AL-41 and upgrading electronic warfare as well as radar systems, but the exact systems have not been revealed. At the same time, India's Su-30MKI modernization program prioritizes the integration of the Virupaksha AESA radar, a full upgrade of onboard electronic systems, and incorporation of new weapons, while leaving the engine unchanged.
This offer is currently being evaluated by the Indian Ministry of Defense. However, from Defense Express we would like to note that even if the military approves the deal, a series of bureaucratic procedures will still follow, which could take considerable time. In particular, India's Super Sukhoi modernization program was launched in the summer of 2024 but has not yet received funding approval.
India's recent arms procurement decisions have at times not matched even the most likely forecasts. In particular, on February 12, Delhi agreed to purchase 114 French Rafale fighter jets, with a firm contract expected to be signed during the visit of Emmanuel Macron from February 17 to 19. However, the agreement wasn't signed, although officials symbolically launched a production line for the localized assembly of Airbus H125 helicopters at Tata.
In any case, it should be noted that a possible agreement with russia on the modernization of the Su-30MKI is being considered by Delhi in the context of Moscow's long-standing efforts to offer Su-57 fighters to India for more than 15 years. In particular, an agreement on the joint development of the "fifth-generation fighter" FGFA between United Aircraft Corporation and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was signed back in 2010 and remained in force until 2018, when India withdrew, stating that the Su-57 did not meet the declared specifications.
At the same time, in recent years, russia and India have moved closer to the agreement. In particular, Delhi turned down the U.S. offer related to the F-35, whereas Moscow reportedly accepted all of India's demands, including localization, technology transfer, and software source code access. Therefore, it is quite possible that the agreements on the Su-30MKI modernization and the sale of the Su-57 will take the form of a "package" deal.
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