Su-30MKI

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, multirole fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau and produced under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force. The programme began in the early 1990s when India sought a high‑performance air superiority platform capable of operating in diverse climates. HAL received the first kit in 1996, completed assembly and delivery of the initial batch in 2002, and has since manufactured more than 200 airframes, integrating indigenous avionics, radar, and electronic warfare suites. Key features include the thrust‑vectoring AL‑31FP engines, which give the aircraft super‑maneuverability, a N011M phased‑array radar capable of tracking over 30 targets, and a glass cockpit with digital fly‑by‑wire controls. The MKI variant also incorporates French‑made Grifo radar‑warning receivers, Israeli‑origin electronic warfare pods, and a domestic long‑range air‑to‑air missile capability. Its ability to perform air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground, and reconnaissance missions makes it a cornerstone of India’s tactical and strategic air power, enhancing deterrence and enabling joint operations with allied forces. The Su‑30MKI remains one of the world’s most versatile fourth‑generation fighters. Continued upgrades such as AESA radar and advanced weapons integration ensure its relevance well into the 2030s.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

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