The Indian Air Force (IAF) requires a budget of US$4 billion (USD) to upgrade 150 units of Su-30MKI fighter jets. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) proposed a modernisation programme that IAF supports. According to HAL, around 150 Su-30MKI will be upgraded as "Super Sukhoi". The upgrade was first announced in 2021.
HAL and IAF will finalise the equipment and systems for the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. After that, 150 aircraft will be upgraded. Russia has approved the Super Sukhoi programme because the Su-30MKI is a joint product of India and Russia.
Many components and parts will come from Russia to upgrade to the Super Sukhoi. Most upgrades cover avionics and sensors. HAL will develop the Uttam MK3 AESA radar in the proposed programme. The aircraft will be equipped with a homegrown-manufactured infrared search and track (IRST) system.The Super Sukhoi prototype is expected to be completed in 2025, and production can start in the 2027-28 period.
