SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received clearance to upgrade the first tranche of 84 Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter jets. This significant modernization effort will integrate Indian-made avionics, radar, and mission computers, with the upgrade costing approximately INR 130-140 crore per aircraft, according to recent media reports.
One of the most notable aspects of the upgrade is the substantial increase in indigenous content. The upgraded Sukhoi 30 MKI will feature 78% Indian-made components, a marked improvement that aligns with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. This move not only boosts local manufacturing and technology development but also reduces dependency on foreign suppliers, enhancing national security.
The major cost of the upgrades for the aircraft will be to equip it with an upgraded Uttam Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enhancing its detection and tracking capabilities. AESA radars offer superior performance over traditional mechanically scanned radars.
The ageing analogue cockpits will be replaced with a modern, full-digital glass cockpit featuring large touchscreens. This will improve pilot situational awareness and provide a more intuitive interface for controlling the aircraft’s complex systems.
A new mission computer will be installed to handle the increased processing power required by the upgraded avionics suite and also to integrate more Indian sensors and weapons for the aircraft.
The upgraded Sukhoi-30 MKI, with its advanced avionics and high indigenous content, will be a formidable force multiplier for the IAF. The Uttam AESA radar will provide a significant advantage in long-range air-to-air combat, while the digital cockpit and voice-activated system will enhance pilot performance.
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