This checklist of big-ticket defence programmes shows how critical Russian weapons systems are to maintain India’s military primacy in the region.
Sukhoi Super 30 upgrade
With a targeted fleet strength of 272 Su-30 MKI Flankers, the Indian Air Force (IAF) operates the world’s third-largest Sukhoi fleet after Russia and China. The IAF is now gearing up for a $6 billion upgrade known as Super Sukhoi 30. Why is this upgrade critical? The first of the Flankers built to the current specification were delivered to India back in 2004. Since then, a lot of new technology has become available. The modernisation programme will give the first batch, of 44 Sukhois, new sensors, weapons and radars plus improved super manoeuvrability, kinetic performance, range and aircraft availability rate. It could also add some rudimentary stealth capability.
The Super 30 upgrade is being fast-tracked because the PLA Air Force has an even larger fleet of over 400 Flankers – a mix of Russian imports plus Chinese knockoffs. Also, the Chinese Flanker fleet is being bolstered by 24 units of the even more advanced and extremely long range fighter-bomber, the Su-35 Super Flanker. The Su-35 is also known as the “Stealth Killer” for its deadly blend of limited stealth characteristics and super manoeuvrability. In a simulated air combat exercise conducted by the Rand Corporation, the Su-35s shot down the American F-35 in every war gamed scenario.
S-400 missile defence system
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