SOURCE: AFI
India’s Sukhoi-30MKI has showcased its formidable capabilities at Exercise Pitch Black, with the deployment of the advanced Astra Mk 2 air-to-air missile and the Nirbhay air-launched cruise missile (ALCM).
This marks a significant milestone for both weapon systems, confirming their operational readiness on the Sukhoi-30MKI. The Astra Mk 2, a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile with an impressive range of 160 kilometers, has been under development for several years. Its integration onto the Su-30MKI significantly enhances the aircraft’s air-to-air combat capabilities.
Complementing the air-to-air prowess is the Nirbhay ALCM, a long-range subsonic cruise missile capable of striking targets up to 800 kilometers away. Previously tested from truck-based launchers and submarines, its deployment on the Su-30MKI adds a potent long-range strike capability to the Indian Air Force. Notably, the Nirbhay variant integrated onto the aircraft is reportedly a booster-less version, optimizing its payload capacity and range.
The participation of the Sukhoi-30MKI equipped with these advanced weapons at Exercise Pitch Black underscores India’s growing military might and its commitment to technological self-reliance. The successful integration and deployment of the Astra Mk 2 and Nirbhay ALCM are expected to significantly bolster India’s air power projection capabilities.