SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are forging ahead with the ‘Super Sukhoi’ upgrade program, a comprehensive modernization initiative for the IAF’s Su-30MKI fighter jets. This ambitious project promises to significantly enhance both the indigenous content of the aircraft and their overall serviceability.
The upgrade package, slated for the initial batch of 84 Su-30MKIs, is expected to propel the level of indigenous content to a noteworthy 71%. This signifies a substantial leap in India’s self-reliance in fighter jet technology. By reducing dependence on foreign sources for components and systems, the IAF will gain greater control over maintenance and upgrade cycles.
The serviceability rate, a crucial metric reflecting the percentage of aircraft readily available for operations, has been a point of focus for the IAF’s Su-30MKI fleet. Before 2014, this rate hovered around a concerning 48%. Through concerted efforts, the IAF managed to improve it to nearly 60% in recent years. However, figures still fall short of the impressive 70-80% availability rates achieved by Western fighter jets like the Rafale.
The Super Sukhoi upgrade aims to bridge this gap by addressing a key bottleneck – reliance on the Russian supply chain for major system replacements and repairs. Currently, an estimated 13-15% of the Su-30MKI fleet remains grounded due to these delays. This will significantly change after the upgrade.
The program envisions replacing crucial Russian-origin systems such as radars, IRST (Infra-Red Search and Track) systems, and mission computers with their Indian counterparts. This strategic move will minimize dependence on the Russian supply chain, leading to faster turnaround times for maintenance and repairs. The fly-by-wire system, a vital component, will remain of Russian origin.
The IAF has also made significant strides in spares management. Improved stocking of essential parts has already contributed to the rise in serviceability rates in recent years. By bringing the supply chain under greater domestic control, the Super Sukhoi upgrade promises to further reduce downtime and maximize aircraft availability.
The Super Sukhoi upgrade program marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards self-reliance in the defence sector. By increasing indigenous content and streamlining maintenance processes, the IAF is taking a critical step towards ensuring a more potent and readily available fighter jet fleet. This project not only strengthens India’s air defence capabilities but also paves the way for a more robust and independent domestic defence ecosystem.
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