SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In the wake of the recent skirmish between India and Pakistan, operational lessons have brought renewed focus on the need to enhance India’s stand-off strike capabilities across platforms. While the French-origin SCALP cruise missile, fired from IAF’s Rafale fighter jets, achieved notable success during strikes on Pakistani airbases, the Su-30MKI fleet faced a limitation due to the restricted number of air-launched BrahMos-A cruise missiles available for operational use.
However, this scenario may soon shift dramatically, as Russia has formally offered the stealthy Kh-69 cruise missile for integration on India’s Su-30MKI fighters. According to sources familiar with the development, the offer comes amidst a broader push by Moscow to deepen its defence collaboration with New Delhi and enhance the combat versatility of India’s frontline multi-role fleet.
The Kh-69, primarily designed for deployment from Su-57 fighter jets, offers a promising addition to India’s arsenal. Weighing up to 710 kg, with a warhead of up to 310 kg, the missile boasts a range of 300-400 km. Its stealth features and versatility make it a valuable asset for precision strikes. Notably, the Russian military has begun utilizing an upgraded version of the Kh-69 in Ukraine, highlighting its combat readiness. Unlike the original design, which targets Su-57 platforms, the missile can be adapted for launch from the external winglets of the Su-30MKI, expanding its compatibility with India’s existing fleet.
Significantly, Russian sources have confirmed that the Kh-69 can be launched from the external wing stations of the Su-30MKI, making it immediately viable for integration without requiring extensive structural modifications. This opens a new dimension for IAF’s Su-30MKIs, which have until now relied heavily on the BrahMos-A, a powerful but bulkier and more expensive cruise missile with limited deployment numbers due to weight and integration constraints.
The Kh-69 offers a lighter, stealthier alternative that can be deployed in larger numbers and possibly even alongside other armaments on a single sortie. Its stealth characteristics also allow for deep-penetration strikes in contested or heavily defended environments — a capability increasingly critical in the evolving South Asian strategic landscape.
The potential integration of the Kh-69 could enhance the IAF’s strike capabilities, complementing the BrahMos-A and addressing its numerical limitations. This development underscores the evolving nature of India’s air defense strategy, leveraging international partnerships to bolster its response to regional threats. As negotiations progress, the Kh-69 could mark a significant step in strengthening India’s aerial dominance.
Key specifications of the Kh-69 include:
- Weight: ~710 kg
- Warhead: ~310 kg
- Range: 300–400 km
- Launch Platform Compatibility: Su-57 (internal bay); Su-30 (external pylons)
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