SOURCE: AFI
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is making significant strides in enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fleet by developing an advanced Wingtip Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) pod. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the aircraft’s survivability in contested environments, underscores India’s push towards self-reliance in defense technology while addressing the evolving threats faced by its air force.
The Su-30MKI, a backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet, is set to receive a state-of-the-art wingtip-mounted ECM pod developed by DRDO’s Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE). Building on earlier efforts to replace the Russian-supplied SAP-518 jammer pods, which were deemed too heavy and restrictive for the Su-30MKI’s flight envelope, the new ECM pod leverages indigenous technology to provide robust electronic warfare capabilities. The pod is designed to be mounted on the wingtip hardpoints (stations 11 and 12) in a left-hand and right-hand configuration, ensuring balanced integration with the aircraft’s aerodynamics.
This advanced ECM pod features Active Phased Array (APA) technology, an Ultra-Wide Band Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM), and an inbuilt cooling system to manage thermal loads during operation. The APA enables precise jamming of enemy radar systems, while the DRFM enhances the pod’s ability to deceive and disrupt missile guidance systems by generating false targets. This combination significantly improves the Su-30MKI’s ability to evade radar-guided threats, such as the AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM and PL-15E missiles, as demonstrated in past engagements where the Su-30MKI successfully dodged multiple missile attacks through electronic countermeasures and pilot skill.
The development of this ECM pod aligns with the broader “Super Sukhoi” upgrade program, which includes the integration of the Virupaksha GaN-based AESA radar, a next-generation Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) named Dhruti, and a Dual Colour Missile Approach Warning System (DC-MAWS). These upgrades collectively enhance the Su-30MKI’s electronic warfare suite, ensuring it remains a formidable platform against modern threats, including stealth aircraft and advanced surface-to-air missile systems.
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