SOURCE: AFI
The Combat Aircraft System Development and Integration Centre (CASDIC) has taken a critical step towards bolstering India’s aerial defense capabilities. The agency has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) to identify a Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) for an indigenous Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite for the nation’s Su-30MKI fighter jets.
The Su-30MKI fighter jet is a mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF). This upgrade program aims to modernize the Su-30MKI fleet with advanced technologies, ensuring its continued effectiveness in the face of evolving threats. An indigenous EW suite is a critical component of this modernization effort.
By seeking a DcPP, CASDIC aims to leverage the expertise of both domestic and potentially foreign firms. This collaborative approach fosters India’s aspiration for self-reliance in critical defense technologies. The successful development and production of this EW Suite will not only modernize the Su-30MKI fleet but also position India as a potential exporter of advanced electronic warfare systems in the future.
The envisioned timeline for the D&D (Design and Development) phase is ambitious, with a target of 32 months. This timeframe encompasses the manufacturing of EW system components, obtaining provisional approvals, lab-level integration and testing, aircraft integration, flight evaluation, and delivery of technical documentation. An additional 15-20 months will be dedicated to closure activities.
CASDIC’s initiative signifies India’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in its defense requirements. The successful development and integration of this indigenous EW suite will be a major milestone in modernizing the Su-30MKI fleet and strengthening India’s aerial defense capabilities.