Sukhoi Su-30MKI

[Rajput Lion]

If we want build additional Su30 squadrons in UPG configuration, Upgrade configuration must be certified before that.

Which again falls in the timeline of Mk2 & MRFA.. Do we need more heavy fighters in same timeline ?

Engine deal is eluding us both GE & NG JV engine.. If this is sorted out..Rest of the things will in place..

Additional Su 30 order can serve us as back up plan in case everything fails.. And 7 years has crossed by then..

Immediate possibility Mk1 A hopefully from next year..

Short term additional squads Mk1 B .

Medium term = Mk2, Ghatak, MRFA & Super sukhoi..

Long term = Amca & Tedbf with MRFA JV engines.

In India some people are of the notion that we don't need any heavy fighters and medium weight jets with 3 EFTs are be all, end all for us. However, if we look towards our prime adversary(and it ain't Pak no more), they have 700+ heavy-weight fighter jets. How many we have got?

Just 259 and out of these only 150 odd combat capable at any given time(with ~60% availability). More new MKI UPGs shall allow us to integrate BrahMos-A with our old MKIs without updating them and we could have a mini-bomber striker force without too much shuffling.

MKI UPG. shall also work with CCAs best because of its larger size, higher endurance and integral second cockpit. Anyways, only Tejas program (MK1A & MK2) can save our dwindling squadron numbers in this decade. With Trump in power, things would resume normalcy from next year onwards. Rest all are(including ordering more MKI UPGs etc.) literally next-decade programmes.