Archive · 3 Jul 2025
India's Super-30 Upgrade: Su-30MKI to Outclass Pakistan's F-16s
India is making its fighter jets, the Su-30MKIs, even better!
They're getting a big upgrade called the Super-30 project.
This means new radar that can 'see' really far, and new missiles that can hit targets from a long distance.
The plan is to improve 84 jets over the next few years.
This upgrade should make the Su-30MKI a much stronger fighter jet, maybe even better than the ones Pakistan has.
This is a way for India to keep up with the latest technology in the world and protect itself better.
India is upgrading its Su-30MKI fighter jets under the Super-30 project.
The project includes the integration of the Virupaksha AESA radar, developed by DRDO.
Upgrades will equip the jets with indigenous air-to-air missiles Astra MK-2 and Astra MK-3 Gandiva.
84 jets are to be upgraded over 3-4 years at an estimated cost of $2.4 to $7.8 billion.
The upgrades aim to enhance combat capabilities, potentially outmatching Pakistan's F-16s.
- Who
- The Indian government and the Defence Ministry
- What
- India is upgrading its Su-30MKI fighter jets.
- When
- The upgrades are planned over the next 3-4 years.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To modernize its armed forces and stay ahead in aerial combat, addressing shortcomings.
- Project Name
- Super-30
- Aircraft
- Su-30MKI
- Radar
- Virupaksha AESA radar
- Missiles
- Astra MK-2 and Astra MK-3 Gandiva
- Number of Jets to be Upgraded
- 84
- Estimated Cost
- $2.4 to $7.8 billion (around Rs 66,829 crore)