In a deal to upgrade the Su-30MKI fleet of the IAF so as to provide it with capabilities similar to that of fifth-generation combat aircraft, Russia’s Irkut Corporation confirmed that negotiations for the upgrade of the Su-30MKI, of which the IAF will eventually operate 272, are at an advanced stage.
Alexei Fedorov, the head of Irkut, announced that, in addition to an upgrade in cockpit avionics and enhancements to the aircraft’s radar, the so-called ‘Super Sukhoi’ will also receive modifications aimed at improving stealth capabilities. The ‘Super Sukhoi’ would be enabled to carry a heavier weapons load, including the Indo-Russian developed BrahMos cruise missile. The enhancements to the aircraft’s radar could include upgrading the existing NIIP N011M Bars radar with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna thereby offering a substantial improvement in performance.