Archive · 5 Aug 2025
India to Upgrade Su-30 Fighter Jets for Enhanced Capabilities
India is upgrading its older fighter jets to make them almost as good as the newest ones.
Because India doesn't have enough fighter planes, they are improving the Su-30 jets with new radars and engines.
This is cheaper than buying brand new jets and helps India defend itself against other countries.
The upgrade includes new radar technology that helps detect and track enemy planes and can block them.
This upgrade will make the old jets almost as good as the newest jets, and should help India keep its air force strong.
India plans to upgrade 200 Su-30 fighter jets to near 5th-generation standards.
The upgrade involves installing advanced Virupaksha AESA radar and more powerful engines.
The estimated cost for the upgrade is Rs 25,000 crore.
The upgrade is seen as a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new fighter jets.
The upgrade aims to enhance India's air combat capabilities in the face of threats.
- Who
- The Indian government and Air Force are involved.
- What
- India is upgrading 200 Su-30 fighter jets to near 5th-generation standards.
- When
- The plan to upgrade was announced on August 5, 2025.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To address the shortage of fighter planes and enhance its air combat capabilities.
Challenges
Solutions
Cost Effectiveness
Challenges
Acquiring 5th-generation jets is difficult.
Solutions
Upgrading existing jets is more cost-effective and faster.
- Jets to be upgraded
- 200 Su-30 jets
- Upgrade cost
- Rs 25,000 crore
- Key upgrade component
- Virupaksha AESA radar
- Radar capability
- Detect and track 40 targets, electronic jamming
- Engine upgrade
- Saturn AL-31F Series 3 engines