Sukhoi Su 30MKI

p2prada

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so we are inducting 44 km range bvr missile on 2015 ? while our enemies are having better ranged missiles.(
The first few prototypes of Astra weighed 300 Kg, now they are less than 160 Kg. Think of this as a long term development plan, so keep the aim for 2020.

Astra will be a low cost missile, quite like how USAF uses Aim-120C-5 as a low cost missile. We will still rely on imports until we start manufacturing FGFA's missiles post 2020 and add our own future iterations of Astra to it.

Missiles of all ranges and performances are required and Astra may be planned as a family of different missiles.
 

ersakthivel

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@Agnostic_Indian:
Relax, man. It is only a Indias first step on the AAMs road, so be patient.
Don't you think, that the first Indian AAM will be at once 95% KP and 180+km ranged? Wait for some time, when your engineeres will grow in their skills and you'll see the light.
Akash mk-1 itself has 95 percent PK when fired in a salvo of two.

IAF won't accept any air to air BVR which has lower capacity than the ones available in international market ,

So first time or second time DRDO has to come up with the IAF acceptable quality .

Earlier they tested Astra which had a 300 KG weight. After repeated failures they have gone for a totally new config air frame with 170 Kg weight using the lessons learnt in earlier development effort and proved the design to IAF satisfaction.

That is the reason for captive trials from Su-30 MKI,

it is no cheap alternative as some people think.

Pylon space can not be wasted by using second quality long range BVRs just for the sake of them being local product.

IAF would never accept such an option. SO it is entering captive trials means it has qualified for IAF's specs in range, speed and acceleration.
 
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LETHALFORCE

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No need to be critical of Astra most bvr have 50 percent success rate


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he-man

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super sukhoi deal needs to be signed immediately imo

1)n011m bars needs immediate overhaul,there are rumours that it will utilize an aesa based on pakfa but no confirmation yet

2)ols-30 was capable 5 yers ago but with newer stuff having qwip tech as in typhoon and rafale its not very competetive.
even ols-35 for su-35 is not good enough

3)newer su-30's being manufactured need more composites(btw can someone point out the level of these currently??)

rest as usual---better jammers,maws,rwr's etc
 

he-man

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The statement is too vague. Its good if we get the 117, but I would still like to wait for official confirmation regarding this. The Russians have developed many AL-31 variants, so a number of them are possibilities on MKI.
we may get 117s which is pretty good,its on su-35

thrust of 142kn compared to 123 for al-31f
life of 4000 years compared to 2000 for al-31f
 

happy

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How the Su-30 MKI is changing the IAF's combat strategy

With the induction of large numbers of class leading Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has not only made a huge technological transition from a MiG-21 dominated fleet, its war fighting doctrine has also changed, focusing on long-range and strategic missions.

Aggressiveness is a fundamental requirement of air combat, and the IAF has traditionally been an attack orientated force. For instance, on December 3, 1971 in response to Pakistan Air Force (PAF) raids on 11 Indian airbases, the IAF responded with initial air strikes the same night, which were expanded to massive retaliatory air strikes the next morning.

In previous wars, it didn't matter if their opponents had better aircraft and radars, IAF pilots compensated for it with their superior training and ingenuity. IAF pilots truly internalised what Sergei Dolgushin, a Russian Air Force ace with 24 victories in WWII, said is a prerequisite to be a successful fighter pilot: "a love of hunting, a great desire to be the top dog".

Long range and two fronts

It was with the MiG-29 Fulcrum that the IAF for the very first time acquired a superior aircraft compared with those operated by the PAF. However, the qualitative edge was marginal. On the other hand the Sukhoi-30 MKI is an "air dominance fighter" that is allowing the IAF to perform a multiplicity of missions required to keep in step with India's rising global stature. The Sukhoi's versatility – owing to its extended range, speed, firepower and super-manoeuvrability – has given the IAF considerable leeway in deploying the aircraft in offensive missions.

In April 2013 the IAF held its largest-ever combat exercise involving as many as 400 combat aircraft plus 200 transport planes and helicopters. The exercise was aimed at testing the IAF's capability for a two-front war against China and Pakistan, by deploying "swing forces" from the western theatre right across to the east.

As part of the war games, Sukhoi-30MKIs flew 1800 km bombing missions from Chabua in Assam to the western front, with mid-air refuelling. This is possible because the Sukhoi has a range of 4.5 hours on internal fuel, and IAF pilots are known to lead missions over 10 hours.

BrahMos and the mini air force

The Su-30 MKI has 12 hard points for missiles and bombs. The IAF is carrying out structural modifications on the Sukhois to enable them to carry the air launched variant of the BrahMos cruise missile. If the contracting firms are able to reduce the mass and weight of the missile, the aircraft would be able to carry up to three of these missiles.

In previous wars the IAF avoided attacks on non-military infrastructure, preferring to target tanker farms and military bases. The decision to equip the Sukhois with the BrahMos creates new synergies and signals a new intent. The Sukhoi's radar can detect tall buildings at a distance of 400 km and small building at 120 km. The BrahMos is a highly destructive missile and belongs to a class of Russian missiles that are designed to cut small warships in half. So in the next war expect a lot of damage to enemy infrastructure – dams, power stations and industrial clusters are all likely to be targeted.

There is another ominous angle. India's Strategic Forces Command (SFC) has asked for 40 nuclear capable strike aircraft to be used conjointly with land-based and submarine launched ballistic missiles. Although it's not clear whether the IAF or the SFC will operate this mini air force, what is clear is that exactly 40 Su-30 MKIs have been converted to carry the BrahMos. That's some coincidence.

A nuclear warhead on an air-launched BrahMos fired from a super-manoeuvrable Su-30 MKI won't just further enhance the IAF's strike capability and aircraft survivability, it would also complicate the enemy's defence planning.

Mission capable

Such complex missions require powerful navigation systems. India has chosen to buy barebones Sukhois from Russia and then cram them with Israeli and French equipment. Plus, the already excellent Bars radar, which can track an aircraft at 125 km and a battle tank 40 km away, is being replaced with the Russian Zhuk active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars.

Another quantum leap the IAF is making is in beyond visual range (BVR) missiles for the Su-30 MKI. Complementing the Zhuk radar will be the Novator KS-172 air-air missile, with an estimated 300-400 km range and a speed of Mach 4. If Russia and India can bring this missile to production, the IAF will finally be capable of anti-AWACS and anti-satellites missions.

The Su-30 MKI has also given a fillip to the DRDO, which has designed and developed the aircraft's electronic counter measures suite, including the radar warning receiver and frequency hopping radios and identify friend or foe system. Irkut President Alexy Fedorov says the Su-30 MKIs are being upgrade to the 'Super Sukhoi', which has features similar to a fifth generation aircraft.

Numbers game

It is a fact that quantity has a quality all its own. Including aircraft under order, India's Sukhoi-30 MKI fleet is currently pegged at 272. It is an impressive number for such a high-end and expensive weapons platform. This shows a keen sense of judgement by the IAF, which realises that 100 per cent fleet utilisation is impossible and having a large number of air superiority aircraft around is the key to getting the job done.

With such numbers at its disposal, the IAF is now able to build a network of bases around the country. Earlier, because of the low range of its fighter aircraft and coupled with the fact that the IAF had to quickly deploy them in war, most Indian air bases – such as Adampur, Jammu, Amritsar and Jodhpur – were close to the Pakistan border.

But now Sukhois are also being stationed at places such as Thanjavur in the deep south, Chabua in the northeast and Pune in western India. Because of its long legs and speed the Sukhois can join battle at a few hours notice.

A worrying factor, however, is the planned force of 272 Sukhois falls well short of the 400 Sukhoi-30 equivalents and knockoffs in the Chinese air force. If the 126 French Rafales are inducted over the coming years, India should achieve at least quantitative parity with China. That is, until the Chinese stealth fighters arrive.

How the Su-30 MKI is changing the IAF's combat strategy | Russia & India Report
 

Lions Of Punjab

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How the Su-30 MKI is changing the IAF's combat strategy

Another quantum leap the IAF is making is in beyond visual range (BVR) missiles for the Su-30 MKI. Complementing the Zhuk radar will be the Novator KS-172 air-air missile, with an estimated 300-400 km range and a speed of Mach 4. If Russia and India can bring this missile to production, the IAF will finally be capable of anti-AWACS and anti-satellites missions.


How the Su-30 MKI is changing the IAF's combat strategy | Russia & India Report
As an anti-satellite missile ?
 

JBH22

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A worrying factor, however, is the planned force of 272 Sukhois falls well short of the 400 Sukhoi-30 equivalents and knockoffs in the Chinese air force. If the 126 French Rafales are inducted over the coming years, India should achieve at least quantitative parity with China. That is, until the Chinese stealth fighters arrive.
Why not increase it to 300?

Anyways with 126 Rafales which may eventually rise up to 200 and complemented by the cheap Tejas hopefully with mass production the cost could go down.
 

AVERAGE INDIAN

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The Sukhoi-30 MKI: India's Two-Front War Ace?

A report in the Russia and India Report takes a fascinating look at the role of the twin-fin Sukhoi-30 MKI air superiority fighters in the Indian Air Force's (IAF) combat strategy. The Su-30 MKI is an eminently versatile fighter that is capable of meeting the IAF's evolving needs, particularly in the context of a nightmare scenario involving a two-front war with Pakistan and China. I recommend Flashpoints readers check out the whole report for a fairly comprehensive description of the Su-30 MKI's place in India's air power strategy going forward.

The Su-30 is a technological transition away from the dated and retired MiG-21 the IAF relied on for so long, and its speed, 1800 km range, maneuverability, and firepower make it absolutely pivotal in ensuring the IAF's capability to fight a two-front war. The report cites the IAF's April 2013 exercises – its largest ever – which involved "as many as 400 combat aircraft plus 200 transport planes and helicopters," and tested the IAF's readiness for a two-front war against China and Pakistan.

According to the Times of India, a two front war with Pakistan and China is somewhat of a nightmare scenario for Indian military planners – neither foe's conventional military capabilities are anything to scoff at. Estimates suggest that China could mobilize 21 fighter squadrons against India from its airbases in Tibet, and Pakistan could deploy "21 to 25 fighter squadrons" against India.

The Su-30 MKI is an "air dominance fighter." Its large range and capacity for being refueled mid-flight make it the perfect "swing" fighter in a split two-front war that could theoretically take place simultaneously on India's eastern and western frontiers, according to the Russia and India Report.

Certain Su-30 MKI aircraft are also undergoing structural modifications to allow them to carry an air-launched variant of India's famed BrahMos hypersonic cruise missile. On this, the report notes that there may be a nuclear angle as well:

There is another ominous angle. India's Strategic Forces Command (SFC) has asked for 40 nuclear capable strike aircraft to be used conjointly with land-based and submarine launched ballistic missiles. Although it's not clear whether the IAF or the SFC will operate this mini air force, what is clear is that exactly 40 Su-30 MKIs have been converted to carry the BrahMos. That's some coincidence.

According to Defense Industry Daily, Russian BrahMos Aerospace Executive Director Alexander Maksichev expects the first test-launch of the BrahMos air-launched variant from a Su-30 MKI to take place sometime this year. A report from July 2013 by the Russia and India Report states that the "air-based BrahMos missile will be different from the other versions because the very platform of the Su-30MKI works on the supersonic speed so it's no longer necessary to accelerate the missile to the same speed." The BrahMos variant will undergo significant changes to its chassis and nose cone to reduce weight and improve stability for the dramatically different launch scenario.

The Su-30 MKI alone is, of course, quite limited in preparing India for a two-front conventional war. The effort necessitates a joint effort by the Indian Army and the Air Force. The April 2013 exercises demonstrated the importance of the MiG-29, attack helicopters, mid-air refuellers, drones, and surface-to-air missiles in establishing a robust defensive line for India against a conventional assault by Pakistan and China.

Currently, a quantitative disparity exists between Indian and Chinese Su-30 fleets: China possess 400 total to India's 272. The arrival of the fifth-generation T-50 PAK FA fighters could remedy this disparity. The report also suggests that the pending purchase of French Rafale fighters could help.

The Sukhoi-30 MKI: India's Two-Front War Ace? | The Diplomat

why don't we increase our su 30 mki strength to 400 ?
 

p2prada

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why don't we increase our su 30 mki strength to 400 ?
Because we need to give more importance to other aircraft also. If we go for 400 MKIs, then we will have to cut out FGFA numbers. Not worth it at all.

Right now, HAL is churning out MKIs and will continue to do so for a long time and so is the Irkut factory for the VVS. By the time both factories are free, FGFA production is expected to begin in India. So, there is really no time to build another 120 MKIs. Instead we can use the money for 120 MKIs and build 60 more FGFAs.

Then there's the budget allocation for 126 Rafales and a possible 80+ LCA Mk2s before 2022.

By 2022, we should be able to finish 272(+2) MKIs, 126 Rafales and at least 80-120 LCAs to get our 42 squadrons. After that we need to allocate budget for 63 remaining Rafales and 200+ FGFA. IAF's future is well planned out.

If there is a small chance IAF adds another 2 squadrons of MKI before FGFA starts then that's a bonus. But this happening is very unlikely since any such decision should have been made a year or two ago for a contract signature to happen in 2015-16 and production in 2018-19. So, it may be too late. But who knows...
 

Phantom

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Does anyone have an idea as to how many Sukhoi 30s are yet to be manufactured at HAL? or the timeline for the production run?

If substantial fighters are yet to be manufactured, maybe it's better if their specs are renegotiated to match that of Super-Sukhoi standards.
 

p2prada

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Does anyone have an idea as to how many Sukhoi 30s are yet to be manufactured at HAL? or the timeline for the production run?
Should be a squadron left for Phase IV to finish in 2015.

After that will be assembly of 42 CKDs from Irkut. That will go on till the beginning of 2019.

IAF has decided to induct regular versions of MKI and then upgrade them when the time comes. This way there is no delay with the upgrade of the first set of jets.
 

p2prada

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Not bad. The navy wants Su-30SMs. So, more orders for Irkut.
 

gadeshi

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Yeah, the Navy is a single perfect place for multirollers.

Su-30MKI and Su-30SM Fire/Flight Control Systems presentation (3D available):
 
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