Indian Air Force (IAF) is heading up to upgrade the avionics and weapons systems of its top of the line fighter jet, Sukhoi Su-30 MKI with Russian assistance to turn the jets into more lethal weapons. Indian Air Force’s chief, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, showed satisfaction over the changings and upgrade of the MiG-21, MiG-27 and MiG-29 fighters with Russia’s help and is now interested to procure the best avionics and weapons systems for IAF’s 250 plus Su-30 MKIs.
During an interview session with the Russian Ministry of Defence’s official newspaper agency, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said, “We are very pleased with the program to upgrade the MiG-21, MiG-27, and MiG-29. Now they have more modern weapons systems and avionics. In recent exercises, we used them and were very pleased with the results. Therefore, we are now considering the possibility of upgrading the Su-30, which we have been operating for about 20 years. Accordingly, their avionics and weapons systems also require modernization. We have requested from the Russian side proposals for modernization in accordance with current needs.”
Russia has been the biggest rival of U.S in the international arms market and an old supplier of defense and military equipment to India and the IAF chief expressed keen desire to be a part of S-400s production line. “Using the example of the Su-30, I can say that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is already producing the Su-30MKI under the original license. With them, we signed a contract for aftersales service of the Su-30MKI aircraft. For its part, HAL has a contract with Russian companies, and most of the equipment for the Su-30 is now manufactured in India. The other most common type of aircraft in India is the Mi-17, both in the military and in the civilian sector. At the same time, with the support of Russian companies, we have modernized several military hardware, including the MiG-29, and are open to discussing the possibilities of their participation in the production of components and spare parts in India. In our opinion, this will significantly reduce time costs and compact the production cycle.”
The possibility for India to become a victim of U.S. sanctions for purchasing S-400s, is under shadows, as there is no official statement made by Washington yet.