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India operates 272 Sukhoi-30 jets but remains reliant on Russia for every requirement. Russia is embroiled in its own conflict with Ukraine, raising concerns about future support
Despite domestic production, the country lacks the autonomy to make modifications or export the Sukhoi-30 jets. (PTI File)
The recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam has significantly escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with Islamabad reportedly preparing for a potential retaliatory strike from New Delhi. Against this backdrop, News18 takes a closer look at a key pillar of India’s air power—the Sukhoi-30 fighter jets, which form the backbone of the Indian Air Force.
India acquired the Sukhoi-30 fighter jets from Russia under a 1996 agreement signed during Prime Minister Narasimha Rao’s tenure, valued at around Rs 55,000 crore. These jets were brought in to replace the ageing MiG-21 and MiG-27 fleets. Of the 272 Sukhoi-30s currently in service, 50 were directly imported from Russia, while the rest were manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under a technology transfer agreement.
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These aircraft have been customised to meet Indian requirements, featuring indigenous systems alongside advanced avionics developed in France and Israel. Powered by thrust-vectoring AL-31FP engines, the Sukhoi-30 boasts a range of 1,500 km. Armed with BrahMos missiles, it is considered one of the most powerful fighter jets in the world. As a result, Indian-manufactured Sukhoi-30s are attracting growing international interest.
However, the deal with Russia came with certain limitations. India signed the agreement with Russia’s Design Bureau and Irkut Corporation, with HAL assembling 222 aircraft at its Nasik facility. While Russia supplied assembly licences and technical documents, it withheld complete technology for key components such as the engine, radar, and airframe.
As a result, HAL’s role was largely limited to assembling pre-fabricated parts, preventing India from independently manufacturing the aircraft. Even minor modifications require Russia’s approval, a dependency that became evident when the Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted the supply of spare parts. Despite these challenges, the Sukhoi-30 remains the backbone of the Indian Air Force.
India has drawn valuable lessons from the limitations of the Sukhoi-30 deal. Despite domestic production, the country lacks the autonomy to make modifications or export the jets. HAL’s efforts to integrate BrahMos-NG and Astra missiles have been delayed due to limited design expertise.
Amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, it remains uncertain how much support Russia will provide in maintaining the combat readiness of the Sukhoi-30 fleet. India operates 272 Sukhoi-30 jets, but for every requirement, it still relies on Russia, which is currently entangled in its own conflict. Russia’s level of assistance during this critical period will be closely monitored.
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News india How India’s 1996 Sukhoi Deal With Russia Became A Long-Term Liability