The Russian Su-30MKI is the dominant aircraft in the inventory of the Indian Air Force (IAF), having procured 272 of them in multiple deals following its maiden contract of $1.4 billion for 50 warplanes in 1996.
How Many Su-30MKI Jets Does the IAF Currently Operate?
The Indian Air Force operates about 260 fourth-generation Su-30MKI fighters, more than 220 of which are assembled by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its Nashik facility under license after the Russians transferred the technology to India's state-run defense major.
The aviation company delivers the planes to the IAF after getting them certified, besides completing other formalities related to BrahMos modifications.
On February 14, Russia's Rosoboronexport told Sputnik that it had received a request from India for the purchase of MiG-29 and Su-30MKI fighters, and had already sent its counterproposals, awaiting New Delhi's response.
Plans to Upgrade Su-30MKIs in India
In October, the IAF began a feasibility study to enhance the lifespan of its frontline aircraft from 25 years to 35 years.
The force is also in talks with Sukhoi Aviation regarding a $4 billion upgrade of 150 Su-30MKI fighter jets. However, the long-delayed upgrade that would be carried out by HAL wasn't approved by the Indian Ministry of Defense until January 2023.
On 29 December 2022, India successfully test-fired an extended-range version of its BrahMos missile from a Su-30 MKI aircraft against a ship target in the Bay of Bengal, the Press Information Bureau of the Indian government informed.