The Indian Air Force (IAF) is looking to strengthen its squadrons, therefore the Ministry of Defence put out a tender for 12 Sukohi-30 MKI fighter jets, at £1 billion, to be bid on by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). By the end of December, HAL is supposed to react to the tender.
The Indian Air Force's declining fighter strength prompted the national government to make its decision. Notably, the new aircraft will fill in the void that has been created by the loss of 12 Su-30MKI fighters in accidents in the past 20 years. The aircraft will be manufactured in India by HAL and will carry 60 per cent indigenous contents.
The aircraft will be the most modern Su-30MKIs in the Indian Air Force fleet of more than 260 such aircraft. The Su-30MKI is a multi-role fighter aircraft designed to dominate the airspace. It is capable of carrying a wide variety of weaponry, including the long-range Astra Mk-1 air-to-air missile, the Brahmos air-launched missile, and various bombs.
The famous vertical Charlie manoeuvre is just one of the many manoeuvres that the Su-30MKI, an aircraft of the 4.5 generation, is capable of performing at both high and low speeds. The aircraft can also perform endurance missions such as long-range patrols and air-to-air refuelling.
The IAF is also in the process of upgrading its Su-30MKI fleet with an upgrade programme of over £3 billion.
The IAF, with Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets, has developed a strong package of fighters that can carry out tactical as well as strategic missions as per requirements.