Defence

India to Become a Service Center for Russian Su-30 Fighter Jets

Su-30, while still highly regarded, is in need of technological advancements. Due to ongoing conflicts in Russia, the production and supply of these aircraft have been halted

Fighter jets built in the early 1990s often require upgrades to stay competitive with the latest technology and to keep pace with modern adversary aircraft. One such example is the Russian Su-30, a renowned and powerful fighter jet widely used by various countries.

In 2024, the Su-30, while still highly regarded, is in need of technological advancements. Due to ongoing conflicts in Russia, the production and supply of these aircraft have been halted. As a result, India, a key player in the Su-30 program, has become increasingly prominent. India, which has been involved in the assembly of the Su-30, is now spearheading efforts to upgrade these aircraft.

India’s role has grown as it leads the modernization of the Su-30 fleet, incorporating the latest weapons and technologies. Many countries operating Su-30s are now interested in collaborating with India to enhance their aircraft’s capabilities. Malaysia, for instance, has previously expressed interest in upgrading its Su-30s with advanced avionics and technology. Similarly, Armenia’s Air Force recognizes the need to improve its fighter jets’ operational capabilities.

Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia are keen to participate in upgrading the Su-30’s missiles and avionics. Additionally, Vietnam, African nations, and South American countries are showing interest in integrating the BrahMos missile—a joint Russia-India development—into their Su-30s, further enhancing the aircraft’s strength.

India first ordered Su-30MKI fighters in 1998, initially acquiring 10 aircraft before placing additional orders. The H A L has been responsible for assembling these fighters in India and has delivered 272 Su-30MKIs to the Indian Air Force. These aircraft are expected to remain a cornerstone of India’s air power for decades.

Of the 272 Su-30s ordered, 222 have been assembled by HAL at its Nasik plant under a Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreement since 2004. Additionally, 40 of these fighters are being modified to carry the air-launched version of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. The IAF’s BrahMos-equipped squadron, known as the ‘Tiger Sharks,’ is stationed at Thanjavur Air Base in Tamil Nadu, where it serves as a crucial asset for safeguarding the Indian peninsula and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

HAL’s efforts to upgrade the IAF’s Su-30MKI fleet include improvements to avionics, new weapon systems, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. Armenia, in particular, is focusing on these areas for its Su-30SM upgrades. This collaboration with India would allow Armenia to benefit from India’s advancements in defense technology and HAL’s expertise.

India’s ongoing Su-30MKI upgrade project, valued at approximately ₹65,000 crore, involves several key enhancements:

New Weapons: Integration of advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons to enhance the Su-30’s firepower.
Uttam AESA Radar: India’s indigenous active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, significantly improving detection and targeting capabilities.
Electronic Warfare Suites: Upgraded electronic warfare systems to better counter modern air-to-air and surface-to-air threats.
Avionics and Weapon Systems: Modernized control systems and avionics for enhanced situational awareness and combat effectiveness.

These upgrades are set to make the Su-30MKI fleet more capable against contemporary threats and will serve as a model for Armenia’s planned modernization efforts. By incorporating similar advancements, Armenia’s Su-30SMs could experience a substantial boost in capability, improving the operational readiness of the Armenian Air Force.

Defence

Which Country Has the Largest Fleet of Fighter Aircraft?

Fighter planes are crucial for a country’s defense and military strength. They are designed to engage in aerial combat and protect national airspace. Different nations invest heavily in their air forces, leading to varying numbers of fighter jets.

Among them, the United States stands out as the country with the most fighter planes, boasting a diverse fleet equipped with advanced technology. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the fighter jet inventories of different countries, highlighting the significance of air power in modern warfare.

1. United States

The United States Air Force (USAF) ranks first in the world for the largest air force, boasting a total of 13,209 aircraft. Among these, approximately 1,854 are fighter jets, including iconic models like the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II. These advanced fighters are essential for air dominance and ground support. The USAF’s fleet also includes various attack aircraft, logistical support planes, and helicopters, making it a cornerstone of American military power.

2. Russia

Holding the second position globally, Russia boasts a formidable fleet of 4,255 aircraft, which includes 809 fighter jets and 730 attack planes. The Russian Air Force operates a diverse range of fighters, such as the Su-57 and MiG-29. These jets are designed for air superiority and ground attack missions, reflecting Russia’s commitment to maintaining a formidable aerial presence.

3. China

In the race for air superiority, China comes in second with 3,304 aircraft. Among these, 1,207 are fighters and bombers.The People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operates advanced models like the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-11, which are crucial for securing Chinese airspace and engaging in regional conflicts.

4. India

India ranks fourth with an impressive total of 2,296 aircraft, including around 606 fighter jets.The Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a mix of indigenous and imported fighters, such as the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Mirage 2000. The IAF plays a vital role in protecting India’s borders and maintaining regional stability.

5. North Korea

South Korea comes in 5th place with a total of 905 aircraft, including approximately 400 fighter jets. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) uses advanced models like the F-15K and KF-21 Boramae, enhancing its ability to counter threats from North Korea and maintain air superiority.

6.North Korea ranks sixth, with a total of 947 aircraft, of which around 400 are fighter jets. The Korean People’s Army Air Force primarily operates older models, such as the MiG-15 and MiG-21, which are used for defense and limited offensive capabilities.

7. Pakistan

Pakistan ranks seventh with 820 aircraft, including around 300 fighter jets. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) operates a mix of fighters, such as the JF-17 Thunder and F-16, which are crucial for national defense and regional security.

8.Egypt: Egypt’s Air Force ranks eighth globally with a fleet of 1,080 aircraft. The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) operates a diverse array of multirole fighters, including the F-16 and Rafale, supported by a robust helicopter fleet. EAF’s ongoing modernization efforts highlight its focus on maintaining regional stability and strengthening its strategic capabilities.
9. Japan

Japan holds the ninth position with the fleet of 1,459 aircraft, underscoring Japan’s focus on air defense and regional security. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) operates advanced fighters like the F-35 and Mitsubishi F-2, focusing on air defense and humanitarian missions.

10. Saudi Arabia

Finally, Saudi Arabia ranks tenth with 690 aircraft, including around 300 fighter jets. The Royal Saudi Air Force operates a fleet that includes advanced models like the Eurofighter Typhoon and F-15, playing a significant role in regional security and operations.