SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to significantly enhance the electronic warfare (EW) capabilities of its Su-30MKI fleet by integrating ELTA Systems’ advanced Scorpius Escort Jammer (EJ). This move builds on the IAF’s existing deployment of the Scorpius-SP (ELL-8222SB) self-protection jammer, already integrated on the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). The decision, reported by defense sources close to idrw.org, reflects India’s strategic push to counter sophisticated air defense systems in contested regions, particularly along its borders with Pakistan and China, while bolstering its indigenous fighter fleet with cutting-edge technology.
The Scorpius Escort Jammer (EJ), developed by Israel’s ELTA Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is designed to suppress a wide range of air surveillance and fire control radars, creating a “safe corridor” for aircraft along their mission flight path. Unlike the Scorpius-SP, which focuses on individual aircraft protection, the Scorpius EJ is tailored for escort missions, disrupting enemy radar systems to protect entire formations of aircraft. Its flexible design allows installation as a pod on the centerline station of fighter jets like the Su-30MKI or as an external mount on transport and support aircraft. A version configured for internal installation is also available, offering versatility across platforms.
The Scorpius EJ employs Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, enabling it to detect, jam, and deceive multiple radar threats simultaneously. Its advanced digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) capabilities allow it to generate sophisticated jamming signals, countering modern radar systems, including those used in surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) like Russia’s S-400 or China’s HQ-9. This makes the Scorpius EJ a critical tool for ensuring mission success in high-threat environments, such as those encountered during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, where the IAF conducted retaliatory strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan.
The IAF’s Su-30MKI, a twin-engine, multirole fighter that forms the backbone of its fleet, is undergoing a phased modernization program to enhance its combat potential. The integration of the Scorpius EJ, as reported by Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW), is part of this effort, complementing upgrades like the indigenous Uttam AESA radar and the integration of BrahMos and Astra missiles. The centerline pod configuration of the Scorpius EJ ensures minimal impact on the Su-30MKI’s aerodynamics, allowing it to maintain its combat radius of over 1,500 km while providing robust EW protection for strike packages.
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