Super Sukhoi Combat Jets coming to India

India and Russia are expected to sign a new $3.5-billion deal for 40 SU-30MKI fighter aircraft upgraded to the Super Sukhoi configuration later this month when Russian president Vladimir Putin visits the country.

This latest version will have a new cockpit, state-of-the-art radar with stealth features and can carry heavier weapons including the air-launched version of the Brahmos cruise missile,” sources added.

Indian Air Force Sukhoi 30 MKI ( Image Courtesy - strangecosmos.com ) 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is already flying the Sukhoi. If and when the Super Sukhois arrive, they will be 40 in number, taking the total Sukhoi strength to 270 aircraft. With the first delivery expected in 2014-15, the SU-30MKI will become IAF's leading fighter aircraft.

In recent times, IAF has increased the deployment of Sukhois in forward bases, perceiving growing threat from its neighbourhood. A squadron of SU-30MKIs was located at a forward base near the India-Pakistan border to replace an earlier squadron of MiG-23 fighters.

India first procured its first off-the-shelf SU-30s from Russia in 1997 and gradually developed Sukhoi Su-30MKIs at home after Hindustan Aeronautics Limited began production under licence from the Sukhoi Design Bureau. The SU-30MKI has a considerable share of Indian components in it.

News Courtesy - indianexpress.com

Sukhoi 30 MKI inducted at new Airbase in Western Sector

India has inducted its front-line Sukhoi 30 MKI combat aircrafts at Halwara Airbase in Punjab. The Sukhoi 30 MKI, are replacing the phased out MiG-23 aircraft in the 220 Squadron that is also known as 'Desert Tigers'. All MiG-23 aircraft have been retired from the Indian Air Force and are gradually being replaced by new and more capable aircraft.

With the induction of these new Sukhois, the 220 squadron has now been revived at Halwara.The Sukhoi induction was done by Delhi-based Western Air Command's (WAC) chief Air Marshal Arup Raha in the presence of his wife Lily Raha, according to a defence press release.

Sukhoi 30 MKI on a sortie ( Image Courtesy - wikipedia ) 

Air Force Station Halwara is one of the oldest forward air bases of the IAF set up in 1942 by the British. Halwara, due to its strategic location, was actively involved in both 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars. It was home to Spitfires in early 1950s and later converted into a MiG-23 operations base till 2009. In 2011, Halwara was chosen to be the first Sukhoi squadron base under the Western Air Command.

News Courtesy - twocircles.net