Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has made almost 100 modifications to the Russian-origin Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft, with the incorporation of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile being one of the most notable and innovative accomplishments, HAL CEO Saket Chaturvedi stated in Nagpur on Monday.
He emphasised that India’s purchase of Transfer of Technology (ToT) rights from Russia enabled HAL to manufacture the aircraft using raw materials and customise systems to meet Indian needs, enabling this substantial upgrade procedure.
During a book launch at the National Academy of Defence Production (NADP), Chaturvedi stated that these changes have gradually improved the Su-30’s operational efficacy and that partnerships with other defence PSUs, like Mishra Dhatu Nigam in Hyderabad and Yantra India Limited (YIL) in Nagpur, are guaranteeing the supply of vital components, such as advanced alloys and metal structures.
According to him, there is a significant push to indigenize the Su-30’s avionics suite within the next four to five years, potentially making up to three-fourths of the aircraft domestic. This will lessen reliance on foreign electronic systems like combat avionics, flight management systems, GPS modules, and weather radars.
Since these systems are supplied as sealed units without complete technical disclosure, which limits India’s capacity to modify them internally, Russia now maintains control over important systems including mission computers, laser guiding modules, optical displays, and navigation equipment.
Chaturvedi further stated that while MiG-29s will continue to be in service, the Indian Air Force will publicly say goodbye to its aging fleet of MiG-21s during a ceremony on September 26.
The book, written by two HAL officers and published on the occasion, details the difficulties HAL has encountered in negotiating Russian control over vital avionics as well as the domestic innovations that have increased aircraft capability. One of the most notable achievements in modifying the Su-30 platform to meet Indian operational requirements is the BrahMos weaponization program.
A comprehensive timeline of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI’s modernization in India, including significant turning points such as license manufacturing, avionics improvements, and BrahMos integration:
