Opinion/ Sukhoi masterstroke: How IAF IS turning its most lethal fighter into even more deadlier force

As concerns rise over neighbouring nations' strengthening air capabilities, India has embarked on a significant modernization effort for its Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. Speaking with Republic Major General (Retd) Sanjay Soi stated that these upgrades will integrate cutting-edge technologies from India's domestic defence sector, aiming to transform the aircraft into the formidable 'Super Sukhoi'. 

The ambitious upgrade program, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs 56,250 crore, will be executed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) entirely within India. However, collaboration with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) remains pivotal to the initiative's success. 

A strategic move in response to regional air advancements 

India boasts the largest fleet of Su-30MKI aircraft outside of Russia, with 272 units produced under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The modernisation project is scheduled to commence in 2026, with the primary objective of aligning the Su-30MKI with the evolving demands of modern warfare technology. 

Failure to elevate the Su-30MKI to 'Super Sukhoi' standards could pose challenges, “given that neighbouring counterparts like Pakistan and China already operate more advanced fighter aircraft” Major General (Retd) Sanjay Soi said. Notably, these aircraft are equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technology. 

Addressing airborne threats from Pakistan and China 

India's concerns about the effectiveness of its Su-30MKI fleet became evident when the Pakistan Air Force introduced the JF-17 Block 3 fighter aircraft, reportedly influenced by China's fifth-generation J-20 'Mighty Dragon.' Pakistan has also acquired China's J-10C fighter jets, known for their larger AESA radars equipped with both transmit and receive modules. During heightened border tensions, China has reportedly stationed its advanced J-20 fighter aircraft at airbases in northern India. 

In light of these developments, India plans to upgrade approximately 80 to 100 Su-30MKI fighter jets initially, with intentions to extend the modernisation program to the entire Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fleet. According to Major General (Retd) Sanjay Soi, the Indian Air Force doctrine places significant emphasis on the three critical pillars of conventional air operations. These include strategic bombing, political signaling and psychological operations. This doctrine underscores the IAF's commitment to safeguarding national security and maintaining a credible deterrence in an evolving global security landscape. 

Conventional Air Operations: A Multifaceted Approach 

Strategic Bombing: Conventional air operations consist of various components, each serving a unique purpose. Among these, strategic bombing takes centre stage. Strategic bombing is designed to target the enemy's capability to wage war or its will to resist. In the context of short-duration wars, it is essential to identify and neutralize strategic targets that weaken the adversary's ability to fight effectively. These strategic targets may include key industrial infrastructure, war production centres, energy and power facilities, national reserves, transportation hubs, economic targets, data and network centres, and leadership assets. However, it is crucial to note that strategic bombing in this context refers to the depth and importance of the target and does not involve the use of nuclear weapons. Operations of such magnitude would require consultation and clearance from the highest levels of military and political leadership. 

Political Signalling: Another vital aspect of conventional air operations is political signalling. The mere threat of conventional air strikes or the enforcement of no-fly zones provides governments with a flexible and responsive instrument of crisis management. It enables them to convey specific political signals regarding their intent and determination to deter potential aggression, threaten escalation, or eliminate specific enemy capabilities or facilities. 

Psychological Operations (Psy Ops): Psychological operations are an integral part of conventional air operations. These operations are designed to change the attitude and behaviour of both enemy combatants and civilian populations. They focus on undermining the enemy's morale and weakening their will to fight. Offensive air actions can also be employed as part of Psy Ops to convey the costs of war and influence the enemy population and leadership. 

Modernisation Focus and Objectives 

The modernisation initiatives will not involve modifications to the airframe and engines of India's Su-30MKI aircraft. Currently, these fighter jets are equipped with AL-31 F Engines from Russia's NPO Saturn. The upgrade program will focus on equipping the Su-30MKI aircraft with Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities, modern electronic warfare systems, and AESA radar. The AESA radar, named 'Uttam,' is a domestically developed version initially designed for the TEJAS MK-1A aircraft. It will feature larger Transmit and Receive (TR) modules to enhance tracking and targeting capabilities. 

Additionally, the program includes enhancements to the fighter's flight control systems, enabling the carriage of hypersonic guided missiles and various other guided munitions. The Su-30MKI will receive a new Mission Computer, an enlarged touchscreen cockpit display, and an updated weapon systems package. 

The program aims to upgrade around 25 Su-30MKI aircraft annually, with the goal of completing upgrades for the entire fleet by 2034. 

Understanding AESA Radar 

AESA radar, short for 'Active Electronically Scanned Array,' plays a vital role in detecting and tracking enemy aircraft, ships, and missiles. Traditional radar systems send out one radar signal at a time and wait for the signal to return, which can be slower and less flexible. In contrast, AESA radar employs numerous small radar modules that can independently transmit and receive signals, enabling faster, more precise tracking of multiple targets simultaneously. This technology is crucial in modern military aircraft and various applications where rapid and accurate information is essential. 

Concentration of Force and Decisive Fire 

Traditionally, success in warfare depended on the ability to field forces superior to those of the enemy at a specific time and place, Major General (Retd) Sanjay Soi told Republic. However, the revised doctrine recognizes the significance of concentrating decisive firepower on crucial locations and vulnerabilities to achieve the desired effect. Aerospace power, with its offensive lethality, plays a pivotal role in this concept. 

Aerospace power is capable of targeting systems and networks, causing strategic paralysis, and delivering disproportionately large effects, the IAF veteran said while citing the IAF doctrine. It can circumvent the enemy's massed forces and leverage superior technological capabilities that go beyond visual range engagements and stand-off weapons. This shift in focus from concentrating mass to achieving concentration of force and application of decisive firepower highlights those effects, rather than mass, that are at the core of aerospace power.