SOURCE: AFI
In a recent interview with News9 Plus, former Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria shared his vision for the Indian Air Force (IAF) over the next 20 years, outlining a roadmap that includes a significant shift in the fleet composition. Central to his vision is the eventual retirement of the older Su-30MKI fighter jets, which were first inducted in 2001, and the rise of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) Mk II, India’s indigenous 5.5 generation stealth fighter.
According to idrw.org, the IAF is expected to start retiring nearly 100 Su-30MKIs from around 2045 onwards, focusing on the early variants inducted in the early 2000s. By this time, the AMCA Mk II production will have reached full swing, with at least 4-5 squadrons of the stealth aircraft already operational.
The Su-30MKI has been the backbone of the IAF for two decades, but as Bhadauria emphasized, technological advancements and the need for a more modern air force will necessitate the retirement of older platforms. The aircraft, known for its versatility and impressive range of capabilities, will have served its purpose well, but the transition to stealthier and more advanced platforms like the AMCA Mk II will mark the next phase in the IAF’s evolution.
The AMCA Mk II, currently under development by India’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), represents the future of the IAF’s combat capability. As a 5.5-generation stealth fighter, it is expected to bring significant technological advancements in stealth, avionics, and sensor fusion. With its enhanced capabilities, the AMCA Mk II will fill the roles currently occupied by the Su-30MKI while providing next-generation capabilities in air dominance, deep strike, and network-centric warfare.
While the older Su-30MKIs are expected to be phased out by 2045, idrw.org had previously reported that the IAF plans to keep the Su-30MKI fleet operational till at least 2060, especially the later variants inducted in the 2020s, which are still relatively new. These newer aircraft will likely undergo several upgrades over their operational lifespan to keep them relevant in modern combat scenarios.
The Super Sukhoi upgrade program, currently being pursued, is part of this strategy, which involves enhancing the Su-30MKI with more advanced radar systems, avionics, electronic warfare capabilities, and weapon systems. These upgrades will ensure that the Su-30MKI fleet, especially the newer variants, remains a potent force for the next few decades.
The retirement of the older Su-30MKIs around 2045 will coincide with the ramp-up in production and induction of the AMCA Mk II, ensuring a smooth transition without gaps in air combat capability. Bhadauria’s vision reflects a forward-thinking strategy aimed at maintaining the IAF’s air superiority well into the 21st century.