SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
In a recent interview with Indian Defence Research Wing (idrw.org), an Indian Air Force (IAF) official expressed strong confidence in the forthcoming upgrades to the Su-30MKI, asserting that the enhanced fighter jet will decisively outclass the Chinese J-35A stealth aircraft, particularly in the hands of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The official highlighted that while the J-35A may incorporate stealth measures to reduce its radar signature, it falls short of being a true stealth jet capable of challenging the upgraded Su-30MKI, equipped with the indigenous Virupaksha radar and Astra MkIII missile.
The backbone of the IAF’s fighter fleet, the Su-30MKI, is set to undergo a transformative upgrade under the “Super Sukhoi” program, featuring the Virupaksha—a Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with an impressive 2,400 Transmit/Receive Modules (TRMs). Paired with the Astra MkIII beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile, this combination is poised to deter any Pakistani pilot flying the J-35A from testing the limits of Chinese stealth technology.
The IAF official emphasized the Virupaksha radar’s cutting-edge capabilities, noting that its GaN-based technology and high TRM count enable it to detect stealth aircraft like the J-35A at significant BVR distances, estimated between 300-400 kilometers for fighter-sized targets. “The Chinese J-35A might have stealth measures to cover its radar signature, but it’s not a stealth jet where a pilot will feel comfortable taking on the upgraded Sukhoi-30 once it’s ready,” the official stated. The radar’s advanced electronic scanning, superior range, and resistance to jamming position it as a “mini-AWACS,” providing unparalleled situational awareness and target engagement capabilities.
This confidence stems from the radar’s ability to penetrate stealth features optimized for higher-frequency bands (like X-band), where the J-35A’s radar cross-section (RCS) reduction is most effective. The Virupaksha’s design, an upscaled derivative of the Uttam AESA radar, leverages GaN technology for greater power efficiency and detection range, making it a formidable counter to low-observable platforms. The IAF official asserted that this radar will not only detect the J-35A but also track it reliably, nullifying much of its stealth advantage.
Complementing the Virupaksha radar is the Astra MkIII, dubbed “Gandiva,” an indigenous BVR missile powered by a solid fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) propulsion system. With a reported range exceeding 300-350 kilometers—potentially outstripping even the Chinese PL-15’s 200 km-plus range—the Astra MkIII offers the IAF a hypersonic strike capability (up to Mach 4.5). This missile’s extended “No Escape Zone” and advanced terminal guidance ensure that any J-35A entering its envelope faces a high probability of destruction, further deterring Pakistani pilots from engaging in BVR combat.
The official contrasted this with the PAF’s J-10CE, an export variant of the Chinese J-10 equipped with an inferior AESA radar (KLJ-10) and the PL-15E missile, capped at a 145 km range. “The Chinese will not be sharing the best of their technology with Pakistan, just like they did with the J-10, which is an export model ‘CE’ with downgraded systems,” the official remarked. The PL-15E’s reduced range and the J-10CE’s less capable radar pale in comparison to the Su-30MKI’s upgraded arsenal, reinforcing the IAF’s technological edge.
The “Super Sukhoi” upgrade, which includes the Virupaksha radar, new infrared search and track (IRST) systems, and integration with Indian-made weaponry like the Astra MkIII, elevates the Su-30MKI to a 4.5+ generation platform. With 260 Su-30MKIs forming the IAF’s backbone, the planned upgrade of 84 jets in the first phase (at an estimated cost of Rs. 65,000 crore) will significantly enhance India’s air superiority. The aircraft’s large nose cone accommodates the Virupaksha’s 2,400 TRMs without structural modifications, ensuring a seamless transition from the current N011M BARS radar.
The IAF official’s confidence extends beyond technology to operational readiness. “The combination of Virupaksha and Astra MkIII will deter any Pakistani J-35A pilot from trying to test Chinese stealth claims,” he said, suggesting that the psychological impact of facing such a capable adversary could outweigh the J-35A’s stealth credentials.
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