India's Su-30MKI undergoing massive Super-30 upgrade
India is giving 84 of its Su-30MKI fighter jets a tech makeover under the Super-30 program.
The plan is to boost their combat skills, add cutting-edge Indian tech, and keep them flying strong till 2055.
What changes will the aircraft undergo?
The jets will get a new DRDO Virupaksha radar (think: spotting targets up to 400km away), fully digital cockpits, smarter mission computers, and homegrown long-range missiles like Astra MK-2 and Gandiva.
Basically, more power and brains for these aircraft.
HAL will carry out the upgrades
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will lead the upgrade, marking a big step for self-reliance.
These upgrades also fill gaps exposed in past missions like Balakot, addressing shortcomings experienced against Pakistan's F-16s.
Plus, India's already working on its next-gen AMCA fighter for future air dominance.