Loss to Indian Air Force due to Russia-Ukraine war: plan to upgrade Sukhoi-30 fighter fleet for Rs 35 thousand crores went on the backburner

In the midst of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Indian Air Force has put on hold its plans to upgrade its Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft for the time being. According to government sources, the Indian Air Force was planning to upgrade 85 of its aircraft to modern standards with the help of Russia and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. In view of the current situation, this plan has been put on hold for the time being.

Along with this, the deal of Rs 20,000 crore to buy 12 most advanced Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft is also expected to be stopped. This is because under the government’s policies to promote Indian defense products, the stakeholders will have to use more and more Make-in-India content in the aircraft.

Radars were to be installed in Sukhoi-30
As per the Air Force’s plan, the Sukhoi-30 aircraft was to be equipped with more powerful radars and latest electronic warfare capabilities to meet the most advanced standards.
Sukhoi-30 MKI is one of the most important aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The Air Force has ordered and ordered 272 Sukhois in different batches.

Out of this 30 to 40 aircraft were to be ordered by Russian manufacturers. These aircraft are sent by Russian manufacturers to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in different types of kits. It is assembled at the Nashik facility.

Delay in supply of spare parts
The supply of spare parts for the fleet of fighter jets has also been delayed due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. According to sources, the problem of spare parts is not very big at the moment and it is unlikely to happen in the near future as well. This is because after the Uri surgical strike, India had stocked them in large numbers.

However, there is a possibility that the supply of these spare parts and other equipment may become a problem after some time. This is the reason why the Air Force has controlled the use of its imported equipment.