Indian Su-30MKI: News

Indications in recent months suggest that the upgrade program for India’s fleet ofSu-30MKI fighters is finally gathering pace. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has so far placed orders for 272 aircraft, of which 50 were delivered by Russia in 2002-2004 and 2007. Another 222 are to be supplied by the HAL Corporation; production under Russian license began at HAL’s Indian facilities in 2004. So far, more than 200 planes have already been delivered, and the Su-30MKI is the most numerous of the multirole fighters currently in service with the IAF.

Even though the Su-30MKI is one of the most advanced of the Generation 4+ fighters in service with the IAF, the need for its upgrade is becoming ever more obvious. The first of the planes built to the current specification were delivered to India back in 2004. Since then, a lot of new technology has become available in Russia, India, and other markets, including advanced new radars, air-launched missiles and bombs. Retrofitting the plane with this new hardware can make it much more capable. In fact, the Su-30 platform itself is extremely well suited for all kinds of upgrades, from fairly conservative to the most radical because the plane has a two-seater cockpit and can accommodate a lot of bulky and heavy additional equipment.

For a long time, the only thing we knew about the proposed Su-30MKI upgrades was the name of the program: Sukhoi Super 30. There was no information about the technical specifications, timeline or costs. Commentators often confuse Sukhoi Super 30 with another upgrade program that aims to integrate the Su-30MKI with the air-launched version of the BrahMos anti-ship cruise missile. These are in fact two independent and unrelated projects. BrahMos will be installed on only 40-42 planes. The program has already reached a fairly advanced phase of flight-testing to ascertain mechanical compatibility of theBrahMos-A air-launched missile with a reinforced Su-30MKI airframe. Live missile launches are due to commence very shortly. The Sukhoi Super 30 program, on the other hand, will be rolled out to the entire Indian fleet of Su-30MKI fighters; it has yet to begin in earnest, and up until recently, there was very little information about it in the public domain.

Recently, however, the influential Indian newspaper The Hindu reported that in July 2016 Russia and India held consultations on Sukhoi Super 30, and that they hoped to sign a deal very soon. Another well informed newspaper, The Economic Times, reported that the technical requirements would be finalized by the year’s end, and that the contract would be signed in early 2017. The estimated cost of the program is $7-8 billion. It is therefore clear that the program is still at the very early stages, and that the Sukhoi Super 30 technical specifications have yet to be agreed. One of the central issues in the upcoming discussions will certainly be the use of local suppliers as part of the Indian government’s Make in Indiaindustrial policy.

The Specifics of Indian Procurement Policy

The original Su-30MKI program was implemented at lighting speed, by Indian standards. The upgrade program, however, has been making glacial progress, which is fairly normal for the Indian defense procurement system. After Russia introduced the original Su-30MKI proposal, it took only three years to sign the first contract. The proposal was submitted in December 1993 during a visit to India by representatives of the Irkutsk Aircraft Plant and the Sukhoi Design Bureau; the contract was signed in November 1996. Incidentally, the final technical specifications of the Su-30MKI were very different from the Su-30KRussia had originally tried to sell to India. The differences concerned not just avionics but even the platform itself.

The Su-30MKI program still remains unprecedented in terms of the time it took to implement. Most of the Indian aerospace programs are very slow. They include, for example, the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 upgrades. Such upgrades, however, appear to be the best way for the IAF to bolster its fighting ability, especially in view of the budget constraints and the ongoing paralysis of the tender procedures that prevent the IAF from increasing the number of its squadrons to 45. Upgrading the existing planes obviates the need for increasing the already excessive number of various plane models in service with the IAF. Upgrade programs are also cheaper than buying new planes, and they are fully in line with the government’s Make in India policy.

The languid pace of decision-making on the IAF upgrade programs may be a reflection of India’s fundamental cultural patterns and of the additional red tape introduced by the DPP mechanism. Back in the 2000s, the IAF had a clear superiority over the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) by every possible measure, and it compensated for the Chinese Air Force’s greater numbers by superior technology (thanks primarily to the rapid implementation of the Su-30MKI program). Slow and deliberate decision-making therefore did not pose any major military-political risks, and it did help to keep costs under control. With the existing balance of military power and technology at the time, there was no pressing need for the Indian MoD to rush the procurement of new planes or the upgrades of the existing ones, so its relaxed approach was entirely rational.

Now, however, the situation is completely different. Pakistan has received up-to-date versions of America’s F-16 fighters and dozens of the Chinese-Pakistani FC-1 planes. What was once India’s complete dominance over the Pakistani Air Force has become a mere superiority. In fact, Pakistan may well achieve near-parity over time if it receives J-10 fighters from China (as well as the J-31, the quasi-5thgeneration fighter now being developed by the Chinese). Such near-parity between the IAF and the PAF would be completely unprecedented.

The power balance with the Chinese Air Force is an even greater worry for India. In the 1990s and early 2000s China bought 76 Su-27SK/UBK fighters and 100Su-30MKK/MK2 fighters from Russia. It quickly built another 105 Su-27SKplanes under Russian license, and then launched production of its own clones of these planes without bothering with the license. All of these planes represented early 1980s technology – but now China is about to start receiving the latest Russian Su-35 fighters. It is also working on its own quasi-5th generation fighter programs. As a result, the Chinese Air Force will catch up with the Indian Air Force in terms of technology, while also maintaining its impressive numerical superiority. India’s old defense procurement model, in which seven to 10 years is required merely to prepare a contract, has therefore become obsolete and unsustainable.

There is a pressing need for speeding up the Su-30MKI program in order to restore the Indian Air Force’s technological superiority over the Chinese. Essentially, India needs to pull off the same trick it did in the mid-1990s, when it responded to China’s mass procurement of Su-27/30 fighters with the originalSu-30MKI program. Two decades on, India needs to respond to China’s Su-35 and J-31 jets with the Sukhoi Super 30.

Upgrade options

The choice of the specific upgrade option will represent some kind of compromise between the price tag, the time frame, and the capability of the upgraded plane. In theory, this leaves a broad variety of technological solutions on the table. The most conservative solution – which is also the cheapest and quickest – would be to roll out to the entire Su-30MKI fleet the improvements already incorporated in the latest versions of the plane. The Su-30MKI is the oldest member of the family that also includes the Malaysian Su-30MKM (the 2007 model), and the Russian Su-30SM (the 2011 model). A conservative upgrade option would include a limited number of additional self-defense systems (similar to the ones used in the Malaysian model), as well as the numerous new missiles and smart bombs that are now being developed as part of the Russian 2020 State Armament Program for the Su-30SM. The conservative approach would essentially bring the Su-30MKI up to the Su-30SM level.

Meanwhile, the most radical upgrade option would be to develop an equivalent of America’s Silent Eagle fighter. This option would include replacing most of the plane’s systems. Most importantly, its passive phased array radar would be replaced with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Changes would also be made to the plane’s airframe to reduce its radar cross-section. The obvious drawback of this option is the high cost and the long time it would take to implement.

Finally, the most realistic option that would deliver great returns in terms of the plane’s capability without costing too much or taking too much time sits somewhere in the middle. It includes a deep upgrade of the plane’s N-011M Bars radar and integration of the latest Russian and Indian-made electronics, optics and infrared systems without modifications to the airframe.

It would also make sense to implement the Su-30MKI upgrade program in several batches of 50-55 planes, with each successive batch incorporating more complex technology. Such an approach was mentioned as a possibility by Yuri Beliy, chief of the NIIP Tikhomirov company, the developer of the Bars radar. Speaking in an interview, Beliy said that the first phase of the program could include upgrading the Bars radar to give it a greater range, higher resolution, better jamming resistance, and support for new weapons systems. At a later phase, the Bars radar could be equipped with an active phased array. The planes upgraded in the first batch could later be brought to the technical standard of the latest batches without any major difficulties.

The approach would make it possible to start the program quickly (thereby securing orders for India’s HAL and other local suppliers). It would improve the IAF’s capability in an evolutionary way, and it would be easier on the IAF pilots, who will not have to deal with a quantum leap in the complexity of the upgraded plane’s systems. Such a phased strategy worked well in 2002-2004, when Russia delivered the first 32 Su-30MKI planes. The fighters were supplied in three batches of 10, 12 and 10. Each successive batch included some improvements that were later incorporated in the previous batches, so all 32 planes were eventually brought to the same standard.

When the Su-30MKI specifications were being drawn up, the Indian military came up with an extremely well-balanced set of requirements for the new plane. Those requirements were at the cutting edge of – but not beyond – the Russian defense industry’s capability at the time, and could be implemented at a reasonable cost and within reasonable deadlines. It is to be hoped that a similarly well-balanced solution will be found for the Sukhoi Super 30 program.

http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/the-sukhoi-super-30-the-outlook-indias-ultra-advanced-17535

IAF needs to start making wise quick decisions based on long term requirements because new acquisitions are stuck

Super SU-30MKI and Rafales are more than enough to counter China and Pakistan. But if China decides to deploy newly acquired SU-35 on or close Indian border, then India must need to buy 2 squadrons of newly built PAKFA.

Even if they don't deploy SU-35s, India should still buy PAKFA and fly them for a couple years to know what changes it requires. IAF pilots will gain additional experience flying a new jet. FGFA will have only avionics changed, structure and flying characteristics will won't change. FGFA is definitely coming, so why not gain the experience faster. These 2 squadrons can later be upgraded to FGFA standard.

Su-35 Will not be a problem for India, as China will have only 24 of them. Bigger problem for India will be a combination of J-16 and J-20 fighters. J-16 with AESA radar and more powerfull WS-10A engines will be guite equal to Indian Super Su-30MKI.

medo wrote:Su-35 Will not be a problem for India, as China will have only 24 of them. Bigger problem for India will be a combination of J-16 and J-20 fighters. J-16 with AESA radar and more powerfull WS-10A engines will be guite equal to Indian Super Su-30MKI.

WS-10A engine i think will take few more yrs to mature bro ? Any how i sincerely hope by that time chinese sort out there issues wth engine india start getting FGFA or atl east couple of sq of PAKFA as is being widely expected in indian defence circles

When India will receive their FGFA fighters, China will already have J-20 in armament and J-11D and J-16 are also very potent fighters although J-16 is seen more as F-15E style fighter bomber.

medo wrote:When India will receive their FGFA fighters, China will already have J-20 in armament and J-11D and J-16 are also very potent fighters although J-16 is seen more as F-15E style fighter bomber.

well bro the way things are going in india's fighter modernization and new induction i am pretty sure pakfa will be inducted much earlier and numbers can be as high as 60

what if china reverse engineered su 35 ?

India and Russia have agreed to carry out two stage upgrade program to Radar control system “BARS” presently used on board India’s front-line Su-30MKI reported in the latest editorial for an Aerospace Magazine .

In Stage 1 upgrades “BARS” Fire control system will retain Passive Electronically Scanned array (PESA) antennae yet will have enhanced radar performance and operating modes due to upgrades to its components and software allowing it to launch and provide guidance feed to BrahMos-A towards target designation on its advertised range of 290km .

Stage 1 upgrades will bring a host of improvements like higher air targets detection in track-while-scan mode and considerable improvements in the track of air targets in discrete tracking mode . New “Air-to-Air” and “Air-to-Ground” weapons of Russian and Indian origin will be easy to incorporate after upgrades which will considerably improve firepower of the aircraft especially related to long range standoff weapons which India is developing locally .

At Stage-2 Bars will acquire Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antennae which are currently being developed for Indo-Russian 5th Generation FGFA Stealth fighter jet programme based on Sukhoi’s T-50 fighter jet, which will see considerable improvements in all performance parameters particular it would be capable of viewing stealth aircraft at distances beyond the range of air-to-air missiles.

India recently also has started negotiations with Russia to upgrade 194 Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole aircraft with the near fifth-generation level and the upgraded version would be renamed Super Sukhoi and final negotiation for which will be concluded in next four to six months as reported in Indian media.

Super Sukhoi will see adoption of stealth measures in minimizing RCS of the aircraft and the aircraft will also be equipped with longer range missiles along with an infrared homing system and upgraded cockpit and major changes in avionics and sensors are planned to bring Super Sukhoi’s close to FGFA in performance minus inherent stealth design, super-cruise capability and internal weapon-carrying bays.

http://idrw.org/india-plans-two-stage-upgrades-to-its-frontline-sukhoi-30s-bars-radars/

In an unusual scene, a Sukhoi war plane, along with other carrier planes of the Indian Air Force (IAF), was found landed at the Agartala airport on Thursday.

Official of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) said the aircrafts had come to check the landing and takeoff facility available at the airport for fighter aircrafts.

Airport Director of Agartala Airport S.D Barman said, "Today, fighter aircraft Sukhoi landed in Agartala airport to find out the suitability of Agartala airport for the operation of the fighter aircraft so that this airport can be used if it necessary during war time. The commander has said that our airport is absolutely suitable for fighter operation they found the circuit of the aerodrome quite convenient. The commander had said that quite frequently they would come to the Agartala airport to operate."

Along with the Sukhoi, two more AN32 transport aircrafts of the IAF, also landed here which is an unusual scene at the civil airport.

Sukhoi is a heavy twinjet multirole air superiority, all-weather, long-range fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the IAF.

In Tripura, out of four airports, the Agartala airport is the only operational and the rest three at Khowai in Khowai district, Kamalpur in Dhalai district and Kailashajhar in Unakoti district are abandoned.

All four airports of Tripura are located very close the India-Bangladesh international border.

Recently, Indian junior Civil Aviation Minister Jayanta Sinha said India is emphasizing on rehabilitating several unused airports build during the World War II across the north-eastern states to improve the regional connectivity informed.

Sinha declared an investment of Rs. 400 crores will be done towards improving the Agartala airport into an international airport.

http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/sukhoi-other-iaf-war-aircrafts-land-at-agartala-airport-116091500910_1.html

Konstantin Makienko


Konstantin Makienko is deputy director of the Centre for the Analysis of Strategies and Technologies (CAST) in Moscow

August 31, 2016



The Su-30MKI program still remains unprecedented in terms of the time it took to implement. Most of the Indian aerospace programs are very slow. They include, for example, the Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 upgrades. Such upgrades, however, appear to be the best way for the IAF to bolster its fighting ability, especially in view of the budget constraints and the ongoing paralysis of the tender procedures that prevent the IAF from increasing the number of its squadrons to 45. Upgrading the existing planes obviates the need for increasing the already excessive number of various plane models in service with the IAF. Upgrade programs are also cheaper than buying new planes, and they are fully in line with the government’s Make in India policy.

The languid pace of decision-making on the IAF upgrade programs may be a reflection of India’s fundamental cultural patterns and of the additional red tape introduced by the DPP mechanism. Back in the 2000s, the IAF had a clear superiority over the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) by every possible measure, and it compensated for the Chinese Air Force’s greater numbers by superior technology (thanks primarily to the rapid implementation of the Su-30MKI program). Slow and deliberate decision-making therefore did not pose any major military-political risks, and it did help to keep costs under control. With the existing balance of military power and technology at the time, there was no pressing need for the Indian MoD to rush the procurement of new planes or the upgrades of the existing ones, so its relaxed approach was entirely rational.

Now, however, the situation is completely different. Pakistan has received up-to-date versions of America’s F-16 fighters and dozens of the Chinese-Pakistani FC-1 planes. What was once India’s complete dominance over the Pakistani Air Force has become a mere superiority. In fact, Pakistan may well achieve near-parity over time if it receives J-10 fighters from China (as well as the J-31, the quasi-5th generation fighter now being developed by the Chinese). Such near-parity between the IAF and the PAF would be completely unprecedented.

The power balance with the Chinese Air Force is an even greater worry for India. In the 1990s and early 2000s China bought 76 Su-27SK/UBK fighters and 100 Su-30MKK/MK2 fighters from Russia. It quickly built another 105 Su-27SK planes under Russian license, and then launched production of its own clones of these planes without bothering with the license. All of these planes represented early 1980s technology – but now China is about to start receiving the latest Russian Su-35 fighters. It is also working on its own quasi-5th generation fighter programs. As a result, the Chinese Air Force will catch up with the Indian Air Force in terms of technology, while also maintaining its impressive numerical superiority. India’s old defense procurement model, in which seven to 10 years is required merely to prepare a contract, has therefore become obsolete and unsustainable.

There is a pressing need for speeding up the Su-30MKI program in order to restore the Indian Air Force’s technological superiority over the Chinese. Essentially, India needs to pull off the same trick it did in the mid-1990s, when it responded to China’s mass procurement of Su-27/30 fighters with the original Su-30MKI program. Two decades on, India needs to respond to China’s Su-35 and J-31 jets with the Sukhoi Super 30.

Upgrade options

The choice of the specific upgrade option will represent some kind of compromise between the price tag, the time frame, and the capability of the upgraded plane. In theory, this leaves a broad variety of technological solutions on the table. The most conservative solution - which is also the cheapest and quickest – would be to roll out to the entire Su-30MKI fleet the improvements already incorporated in the latest versions of the plane. The Su-30MKI is the oldest member of the family that also includes the Malaysian Su-30MKM (the 2007 model), and the Russian Su-30SM (the 2011 model). A conservative upgrade option would include a limited number of additional self-defense systems (similar to the ones used in the Malaysian model), as well as the numerous new missiles and smart bombs that are now being developed as part of the Russian 2020 State Armament Program for the Su-30SM. The conservative approach would essentially bring the Su-30MKI up to the Su-30SM level.

Meanwhile, the most radical upgrade option would be to develop an equivalent of America’s Silent Eagle fighter. This option would include replacing most of the plane’s systems. Most importantly, its passive phased array radar would be replaced with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. Changes would also be made to the plane’s airframe to reduce its radar cross-section. The obvious drawback of this option is the high cost and the long time it would take to implement.

Finally, the most realistic option that would deliver great returns in terms of the plane’s capability without costing too much or taking too much time sits somewhere in the middle. It includes a deep upgrade of the plane’s N-011M Bars radar and integration of the latest Russian and Indian-made electronics, optics and infrared systems without modifications to the airframe.

It would also make sense to implement the Su-30MKI upgrade program in several batches of 50-55 planes, with each successive batch incorporating more complex technology. Such an approach was mentioned as a possibility by Yuri Beliy, chief of the NIIP Tikhomirov company, the developer of the Bars radar. Speaking in an interview, Beliy said that the first phase of the program could include upgrading the Bars radar to give it a greater range, higher resolution, better jamming resistance, and support for new weapons systems. At a later phase, the Bars radar could be equipped with an active phased array. The planes upgraded in the first batch could later be brought to the technical standard of the latest batches without any major difficulties.



The approach would make it possible to start the program quickly (thereby securing orders for India’s HAL and other local suppliers). It would improve the IAF’s capability in an evolutionary way, and it would be easier on the IAF pilots, who will not have to deal with a quantum leap in the complexity of the upgraded plane’s systems. Such a phased strategy worked well in 2002-2004, when Russia delivered the first 32 Su-30MKI planes. The fighters were supplied in three batches of 10, 12 and 10. Each successive batch included some improvements that were later incorporated in the previous batches, so all 32 planes were eventually brought to the same standard.

When the Su-30MKI specifications were being drawn up, the Indian military came up with an extremely well-balanced set of requirements for the new plane. Those requirements were at the cutting edge of – but not beyond – the Russian defense industry’s capability at the time, and could be implemented at a reasonable cost and within reasonable deadlines. It is to be hoped that a similarly well-balanced solution will be found for the Sukhoi Super 30 program.


http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/the-sukhoi-super-30-the-outlook-indias-ultra-advanced-17535?page=2

https://www.ibcworldnews.com/2015/10/03/iaf-converting-su-30-mkis-to-super-sukhois-coupled-with-deadly-brahmos-missiles/

IAF’s Su-30 fighter plane pilots are focusing on beyond visual range combat and night flying capabilities even as they gear up for the installation of the ‘game changer’ BrahMos missiles, with a strike range of nearly 300 kms, in the aircraft.

They are also looking forward to the plane’s next generation ‘Super 30’ version which will have advanced avionics.

Explaining the concept of the beyond visual range (BVR) fights, senior IAF officials at a forward base close to the border with Pakistan explained that future wars are unlikely to have close combat fights like in wars in 1965 or 1971.

“Nowadays, the fighter jets are very modernised with state-of-the-art radar systems. What matters now is BVR which means that one can engage with the enemy in air without actually seeing him. Once the enemy is locked in, a BVR missile is fired,” Wing Commander Sharad Sharma, who has clocked more than 1000 hours on the Sukhoi, said.

The BVR missiles carried by Sukhoi currently have a range of about 50-70 kms. But what will truly turn the tide is the integration of the supersonic missile BrahMos with the Sukhoi.

Fighter pilots at the base, one of the newest of the Sukhoi, say that the BrahMos will be game changer.

“Imagine, one can fire a missile nearly 300 kms away from the target. Installations across the border can be targeted by our fighter jets without even crossing the border,” a senior pilot explained.

The first test, a dead weight one, of the BrahMos integrated Sukhoi is likely to take place early next month or even this month-end.

The second test will be by firing a dummy missile while the third and fourth stages of testing will be with actual missile, but without the 200 kg warhead to validate the guidance system and accuracy. Two Sukhois will be used for the tests which will be completed in the next one year.

The fourth generation Sukhois were inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2002 and is the frontline fighter aircraft of the country. But the DRDO, HAL (the production agency) and the Sukhoi Design Bureau in Russia are working together on ‘Super 30’ Project.

“The Super 30 Project will make the aircraft a 4.5 generation one. While there won’t be modification to the air frame, the planes will be equipped with next generation radar system, software, integrated touch display and a helmet- mounted display,” IAF officials said.

The Sukhois, which have a range of 3,000 kms without mid-air refueling and over 8000 kms with two refuelings, have a capacity to carry up to 12 missiles, including a combination of air-to-air and air-to-surface. The fighter plane can carry up to 32 bombs also.

The Sukhoi fighter aircraft pilots are carrying out intensive training for night operations.

“In 1962 and 1971 wars, our fighters did not have night flying capability. We feel that future wars may be fought in the skies during night time and hence a lot of focus is being given to night flying. Flying at night is a different game altogether in comparison to day time flying,” they said.

well by the end of this year the su30mki will be tested with real launch of Brahmos missile increasing its capacity to strike land targets manifold and more devastatingly and more over the proposed upgrade to super sukhoi is also expected to be signed during this period

Indian and Russian defense delegations discussed joint defense projects and defense issues of mutual interest, in particular, the Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) and the upgrade of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter, the sources at the Indian Defense Ministry sources told Sputnik.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik) — On Wednesday, the India-Russia intergovernmental commission on military and technical cooperation held a meeting in New Delhi, bringing together the delegations headed by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar.

India Seeks Foreign Defense Firm to Build Domestic Single-Engine Fighters "We discussed… the FGFA project and [upgrade] of SU-31 MKI which is presently India's priority," the sources said on Wednesday.

The Russian-Indian FGFA has stealth capabilities and is based on the Russian T-50 prototype jet. The FGFA project came about following the signing of a Russian-Indian cooperation agreement on October 18, 2007.

Read more: https://sputniknews.com/military/201610271046776483-russia-india-fgfa-sukhoi-upgrade/

Hahaahhaaha... that is a really sad attempt at a spec chart... climb rate 9 gs... Jesus... that is amazing... I mean a 9 g turn rate is impressive enough but a 9g acceleration rate would render you unconscious...

Also 6 AAMs? Really?

GarryB wrote:Hahaahhaaha... that is a really sad attempt at a spec chart... climb rate 9 gs... Jesus... that is amazing... I mean a 9 g turn rate is impressive enough but a 9g acceleration rate would render you unconscious...

Also 6 AAMs? Really?

lol looks like this is very old graph uploaded

IAF SU-35MKI with Astra Missile


BHUBANESWAR: Indian Air Force (IAF) is slated to carry out a series of captive trials of indigenously developed beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile ‘Astra’ from a fighter aircraft from Monday.
Defence sources said the missile will be fired from Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft targeting a Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) at different altitudes from different angles over the Bay of Bengal to reconfirm the killing efficiency of the all-terrain and all-weather weapon system.

The anti-aircraft missile, considered one of the best of its kind in the world, will be tested for three days. Altogether, three rounds of the missile have reportedly been planned to be test-fired.

The focus is on to achieve success during all the three trials this time as a coordinated air exercise on Wednesday reportedly ended in failure as the missile nose-dived after it was fired from the aircraft and exploded on the sea beach causing enormous noise.

The missile was first tested from the aircraft at a naval range in the western sector on May 4, 2014. ‘Astra,’ which possesses high single shot kill probability making it highly reliable, is the first homegrown missile to be fired from Sukhoi-30 MKI.

“The captive trials are aimed at establishing the compatibility of the missile’s electronics with the Su-30MKI avionics. Apart from Sukhoi, the missile can be integrated with Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA),” a defence official said.

The single stage, solid fuelled ‘Astra’ missile is more advanced in its category than the contemporary BVR missiles and is capable of engaging and destroying highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets.

The 3.8-metre long missile, which has a diameter of 178 mm, can carry about 15 kg of high-explosive warhead, activated by a proximity fuse and be fitted to any fighter aircraft. ‘Astra’ is a futuristic missile and can intercept the target at super-sonic speed of Mach 1.2 to 1.4. The sleek missile, capable of ducking radar eyes, is the smallest of the missiles developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). After its induction, the missile will be one of the best of its kind in the world in 100 km range.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2016/dec/11/iaf-lines-up-series-of-sleek-astra-trials-from-monday-1547910.html

BHUBANESWAR: Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday test fired beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missile Astra against an actual target in full operational configuration for the first time over Bay of Bengal paving way for its early induction in the armed forces.
Defence sources said two rounds of the missile from Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft were targeting pilot-less target aircraft (PTA) Banshee. The mission was termed ‘successful’ considering the missed-distance calculation, though the missile failed to achieve a direct hit.

‘’The missiles were fired both at high and medium altitude. They passed very close to the target and it can be termed near-hit. The mission was conducted in a war-like scenario and the missile was fired on actual targets. Data collected during the tests are being examined,’’ the sources said.

DRDO officials, however, claimed that the mission was excellent. The tests were conducted to demonstrate the aerodynamic characteristics of the missile. It has demonstrated the repeatability, robustness and endurance capability of Astra weapon system, said a senior official.

Indigenously designed and developed by DRDO, Astra possesses high Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP), making it highly reliable. It is an all-aspect, all-weather missile with active radar terminal guidance, excellent electronic counter-counter measure (ECCM) features, smokeless propulsion and process improved effectiveness in multi-target scenario.
Sources informed that this trial will be followed by two more tests in coming days. Apart from Sukhoi-30 MKI, scientists have started integrating the weapon with homegrown ‘Tejas’ Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

Astra is designed for an 80-km range in head-on mode and 20 km-range in tail-chase mode. The 3.8 metre long missile, which has launch weight of about 154 kg, uses solid-fuel propellant and a 15 kg high-explosive warhead activated by a proximity fuse.

Fitted with a terminal active radar-seeker and an updated mid-course internal guidance system, the missile can locate and track targets. It is difficult to track this missile as its on-board electronic counter-measures jam signals from the enemy radars.

As an anti-aircraft missile, it can be fired after receiving a signal from the far away target through its on-board manoeuvres based on radio frequency.

http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2016/dec/13/near-hit-astra-test-successful-1548501.html

Irkut had made a presentation at Aero India yesterday on Su-30MKI program for IAF , The Presentation in English is available in pdf

Su-30MKI Program - The joint success of Russia and India

http://eng.irkut.com/upload/Su-30MKI_eng.pdf

Range

Su-30MKI by supermaneuverability has the added advantage of close air combat - test pilot
02.14.2017 13:37:18

http://militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=441704

Moscow. The 14th of February. Interfax-AVN - An important advantage of fighter Su-30MKI combat aircraft over the other is maneuverability, "Interfax-AVN" on Tuesday, leading Test Pilot Corporation "Irkut", honored test pilot, Hero of Russia Vyacheslav Averyanov.

"Provides superior maneuverability in close combat it allows the use of weapons faster, improves safety." - V.Averyanov said.

He called untenable assertion that melee thing of the past. "From a fighter requires the ability to lead and the distal and proximal dogfight If you are weak in some kind of battle, it is his enemy and you will be imposed." - V.Averyanov said.

According to him, the scenario specific combat situation depends on many factors. For example, electronic warfare agents may disrupt the use of large rockets and medium-range missiles. In this situation, close combat as a way to solve the problem before the fighter becomes inevitable.

Thus he Su-30MKI fighters, being in the mode of super-maneuverability, capable of performing launches missiles at the enemy. "Yes, we have carried out launches of missiles" air-to-air "mode on super maneuverability" - V.Averyanov said.

He noted that all fighters have a super-maneuverability, created on the basis of the Su-30MKI fighters, including Su-30cm.

According V.Averyanova only supermaneuverability dignity Su-30MKI is not exhausted. This aircraft is one of the first in the world to have onboard radar with a phased antenna array that can simultaneously detect, track and attack a large number of targets.

An important advantage of the Su-30MKI V.Averyanov called a crew of two pilots. ". It is definitely an advantage in any case, the two performing combat tasks better than one", - he said. The Su-30MKI is very large by the standards of a fighter, range and, accordingly, the duration of the flight. In the long flight of the second member of the crew - is a big help. Especially when you have to fly in difficult conditions and on remote countryside - the sea, the desert, polar ice, said the test pilot.

"That is why the two-seat fighter Su-30MKI purchase extended coastal and country looks logical choice and Su-30cm naval aviation of the Russian Navy." - V.Averyanov said.

United Engine Corporation CEO Alexander Artyuhov said that Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKI operated by the Indian Air Force after modernization will get the AL-41F turbofan engines designed for 4++ generation aircraft currently being installed on the Su-35 fighters.

BENGALURU (Sputnik) – Russian Sukhoi Su-30MKI operated by the Indian Air Force after modernization will get the AL-41F turbofan engines designed for 4++ generation aircraft currently being installed on the Su-35 fighters, United Engine Corporation CEO Alexander Artyuhov said Wednesday.

"Speaking of the modernization of the Su-30MKI aircraft in terms of the engine, we have developed the engine AL-41F1C, it is being installed on the Su-35. This engine is exhibited at our stand and can be used for the Su-30MKI," Artyuhov said during press conference at Aero India 2017.

He added that the engine was significantly superior than its predecessors.

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI super-maneuverable fighter jet is a version of the Su-30MK developed for India by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. The Indian Air Force has a fleet of over 200 Russia-designed aircraft built under license by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

https://sputniknews.com/asia/201702151050696296-india-russia-su-30mki/

Russia signs deal on maintenance services for Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighter jets

More:
http://tass.com/defense/936174

George1 wrote:Russia signs deal on maintenance services for Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI fighter jets

More:
http://tass.com/defense/936174

This agreement was very crucial and must as this will now pay way for smooth upgradtion of 300 odd SU 30mki to Super sukhois

http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=159499


India-Russia Military Industrial Conference

Minister of Defence, Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley while inaugurating the India-Russia Military Industrial Conference here today said relations with Russia are a key pillar of India’s foreign policy and Russia has been India’s long standing time-tested strategic partner since the last 70 years. The Minister stated that since the signing of the India-Russia Strategic Partnership in 2000, ties between the two sides have acquired new heights with enhanced level of cooperation in almost all areas including defence. Shri Jaitley further added that India-Russia Military Technical Cooperation has graduated from a simple buyer-seller relation to one involving joint research, development and production of advanced defence systems. The Brahmos Missile System as well as the licensed production of SU-30 in India are examples of such flagship cooperation, he emphasised. He called upon Russian companies to come forward for technology transfer to Indian companies and facilitate manufacturing of components/ parts and sub-systems at least for those cases where the requirement is in large numbers and is recurring in nature. The Minister was of the opinion that there is tremendous potential for collaboration between Indian and Russian companies for export, so as to become part of the global supply chain.

The Minister for Industry and Trade of Russian Federation, Mr. Denis Manturov who jointly inaugurated the conference also addressed the gathering. About 150 representatives from Russia are participating in the conference which includes over 100 representatives from its defence industry. Major Russian companies include United Aircraft Corporation, United Engine Corporation, RAC MiG, Russian Helicopters and Ural Vagonzavod. From the Indian side over 100 private companies including several SMEs are participating.

Organised by the Department of Defence Production in the Ministry of Defence, the conference primarily aims at addressing issues related to life-cycle support and maintenance of major Russian-origin equipments/ platforms such as SU-30 MKI aircraft, Mi-17 Helicopters, MiG-29K aircraft, INS Vikramaditya and T-90 tanks.

The conference also assumes greater significance in the backdrop of the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. Apart from deliberations on various policy issues, break-out sessions on Aerospace, Naval Systems and Land Systems are also planned. The conference will provide an opportunity to Indian industry to explore possibilities of manufacturing of parts/ components of Russian equipment in India through partnerships with Russian companies.

A beginning was made at the Conference by signing of two agreements between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and United Aircraft Corporation and United Engine Corporation of Russia, for general terms and conditions governing long term supply of spares and rendering technical assistance over five years for the Su -30 MKI aircraft.