India has embarked on the ambitious Super-30 upgrade program for its Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet, marking a major advancement in its air combat capabilities and a significant step toward greater self-reliance in defence. Approved at a cost of ₹63,000–66,829 crore (around $7.5–7.8 billion), the project will initially focus on modernising 84 Su-30MKIs over the next three to four years. This effort is expected to extend the operational life of the aircraft until at least 2055.

A key highlight of the upgrade is the integration of the indigenously developed Virupaksha AESA radar, based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology. Developed by the DRDO, this radar significantly enhances the aircraft’s ability to detect and track fighter-sized targets at ranges of up to 400 km, including stealth aircraft from Pakistan and China. The jets will also be equipped with a new all-digital glass cockpit, featuring touchscreens and an updated mission computer, improving pilot awareness and overall mission capability.

The upgraded Su-30MKIs will carry advanced Indian-made weapons, including the Astra Mk-2 and Mk-3 'Gandiva' air-to-air missiles, with ranges up to 300 km. These additions will allow the aircraft to engage threats at far greater distances than before. Enhancements also include new electronic warfare systems for jamming enemy communications and infrared search and track (IRST) systems for improved targeting across various combat scenarios. The jets will further gain the capability to coordinate with AI-powered unmanned drones, boosting flexibility and survivability in modern warfare.

Strategically, the program addresses the technological gaps exposed during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, when Su-30MKIs were at a disadvantage against Pakistan’s F-16s due to weaker radar and electronic systems. With these upgrades, the aircraft will be brought close to fifth-generation standards—excluding stealth—giving them a decisive edge not only over Pakistan’s F-16s but also over Chinese fighters like the J-20 and JF-17 Block 3. The initiative also underscores India's push for indigenisation, with up to 78% of components expected to be sourced domestically, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and strengthening the national defence industry. Moreover, the program is cost-effective, delivering next-generation capabilities at a fraction of the price required to purchase new Western fighters, while allowing time for the indigenous AMCA project to progress.

Led by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and supported by DRDO and the Indian private sector, the Super-30 upgrade faces challenges, particularly in integrating Indian systems into a Russian airframe. Software compatibility and certification hurdles may delay full implementation. Following a seven-year development and testing phase, the first 84 aircraft will be upgraded and inducted in stages. In essence, the Super-30 program is a pivotal move in India’s broader defence modernisation plan. It will restore squadron strength, bridge critical capability gaps, and prepare the Indian Air Force for future threats while fostering homegrown innovation in the aerospace sector.