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| India's Su-30MKI Fighter Jets Will be Equipped With AESA Radar |
International Military - The Su-30MKI is a variant of the fighter jet made specifically for the Indian Air Force. Until now, even this fighter jet has become the backbone of the fleet with 11 squadrons operating. As of September 2002, the Su-30MKI has now been operating for 20 years.
Although it is old, this fighter is a derivative of the Su-27 Flanker air superiority fighter. It is also widely considered to be the most capable of being fielded by any air force during the Cold War. This can then integrate revolutionary, next-generation technologies that Russia cannot afford for its own air force.
Read Also: India Plans To Develop Domestic Version Of AESA Radar For Su-30MKI Fighters
Quoted from Military Watch Magazine, the Su-30MKI combines the capabilities of the Su-30. The Su-30 is a long-range interceptor that has been ordered only in small numbers for testing due to Russia's post-Soviet economic downturn.
The Su-30MKI inherits the altitude and high speed of the Su-27. This then increases its considerable range while enhancing its already high maneuverability at all speeds. However, one of the most prominent areas of progress is in the field of avionics.
It does this with modern networked warfare centric capabilities and sensors and the ability to strike land and sea targets as effectively as enemy aircraft. As quoted from The Defense Post, even the Su-30MKI is planned to have an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
The Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will develop this radar for the air force's Su-30 MKI aircraft. The new version of the radar will have additional send and receive modules and a larger power supply, providing increased tracking and search range, according to a report by the Indian Defense Research Wing.
The aircraft will also be equipped with more robust native flight controls, enabling the integration of hypersonic cruises and air-to-surface missiles.