Development of the variant started after India signed a deal with Russia in 2000 to manufacture 140 Su-30 fighter aircraft.[5] The first Russian-made Su-30MKI variant was accepted into the Indian Air Force in 2002,[6] while the first Su-30MKI assembled in India entered service with the IAF in November 2004.[7] The IAF has nearly 260 Su-30MKIs in inventory as of January 2020[update].[8] The Su-30MKI was expected to form the backbone of the IAF's fighter fleet beyond 2020.[9]
The aircraft is tailor-made for Indian specifications and integrates Indian systems and avionics as well as French and Israeli sub-systems.[10] It has abilities similar to theSukhoi Su-35 with which it shares many features and components.[b]
The Su-30MKI was designed by Russia's Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India'sHindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).[11][12] The Su-30MKI is derived from theSukhoi Su-27 and has a fusion of technology from the Su-37 demonstrator and Su-30 program,[13] being more advanced than the baselineSu-30.[13]Russia's Defence Ministry was impressed with the type'sperformance envelope and ordered 30 Su-30SMs, a localised Su-30MKI, for theRussian Air Force.[14] It features state-of-the-art avionics developed by Russia, India and Israel for display, navigation, targeting and electronic warfare; France and South Africa provided other avionics.[15][16]
After two years of evaluation and negotiations, on 30 November 1996, India signed a US$1.462 billion deal with Sukhoi for 50 Russian-produced Su-30MKIs in five batches. The first batch was eight Su-30Ks, the basic export version of Su-30 (designated Su-30MKI-I by India). The second batch of 10 was also Su-30Ks, but equipped with French and Israeli avionics (designated Su-30MKI-I by India). The third batch were to be 10 Su-30MKIs featuringcanard foreplanes. The fourth batch of 12 Su-30MKIs and fifth batch of 10 Su-30MKIs were to have the AL-31FP turbofans. The Su-30Ks were upgraded to Su-30MKI configuration by HAL later on.[17][18]
In October 2000, amemorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed for Indian license production of 140 Su-30MKIs; in December 2000, a deal was sealed at Russia's Irkutsk aircraft plant for full technology transfer. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has ordered 272 aircraft, of which 50 were to be delivered by Russia in 2002-2004 and 2007. The rest of the 222 planes are to be produced under license at HAL's Indian facilities in 2004.[19] The first Nasik-built Su-30MKIs were to be delivered by 2004, with staggered production until 2017–18. In November 2002, the delivery schedule was expedited with production to be completed by 2015.[20] An estimated 920 AL-31FP turbofans are to be manufactured at HAL's Koraput Division, while the mainframe and other accessories are to be manufactured at HAL's Lucknow and Hyderabad divisions. Final integration and test flights of the aircraft are carried out at HAL's Nasik Division.[21] Four manufacturing phases were outlined with progressively increasing Indian content: Phase I, II, III and IV. In Phase I, HAL manufactured the Su-30MKIs from knocked-down kits, transitioning to semi knocked-down kits in Phase II and III; in Phase IV, HAL produced aircraft from scratch from 2013 onwards.[22][23]
IAF Su-30MKI
In 2007, another order of 40 Su-30MKIs was placed. In 2009, the planned fleet strength was to be 230 aircraft.[24] In 2008, Samtel HAL Display Systems (SHDS), a joint venture between Samtel Display Systems and HAL, won a contract to develop and manufacturemulti-functionavionics displays for the MKI.[25] Ahelmet mounted display, Topsight-I, based on technology from Thales and developed by SHDS will be integrated on the Su-30MKI in the next upgrade. In March 2010, it was reported that India and Russia were discussing a contract for 42 more Su-30MKIs.[citation needed] In June 2010, it was reported that theCabinet Committee on Security had cleared the₹15,000 crore (US$1.8 billion) deal and that the 42 aircraft would be in service by 2018.[26][27]
By August 2010, the cost increased to $4.3 billion or $102 million each.[28] This increased unit cost compared to the previous unit cost of $40 million in 2007, has led to the rumours that these latest order of 42 Su-30MKIs are for theStrategic Forces Command (SFC) and these aircraft will be optimised and hardwired for nuclear weapons delivery. The SFC had previously submitted a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry for setting up two dedicated squadrons of fighters consisting of 40 aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons.[29]
HAL expected that indigenisation of the Su-30MKI programme would be completed by 2010; V. Balakrishnan, general manager of the Aircraft Manufacturing Division stated that "HAL will achieve 100 per cent indigenisation of the Sukhoi aircraft – from the production of raw materials to the final plane assembly".[30] As of 2017, HAL manufactures more than 80% of the aircraft.[31] On 11 October 2012, the Indian Government confirmed plans to buy another 42 Su-30MKI aircraft.[32] On 24 December 2012, India ordered assembly kits for 42 Su-30MKIs by signing a deal during President Putin's visit to India.[citation needed] This increases India's order total to 272 Su-30MKIs.[32]
As of 2024, the IAF has received a total of 272 units of Su-30MKI, with phased orders of 50 units directly imported followed by orders of 140 units in December 2000, 40 in March 2007 and 42 in December 2012.[18][33][34]
In June 2018, India has reportedly decided not to order any further Su-30s as they feel its cost of maintenance is very high compared to Western aircraft.[35]
In June 2020, India decided to place an order for 12 more Su-30MKI aircraft along with 21MiG-29s. The Su-30MKI order is to compensate for losses due to crashes to maintain the sanctioned strength of 272 Su-30MKIs. The MiG-29 order was placed to form a fourth MiG-29 squadron to bolster depleted IAF strength. The MiGs were ordered despite being an older platform since they were deliverable within a 2-3-year timeframe, because they were built for an order that was previously canceled and since they were very reasonably priced compared to newer aircraft.[36] On 18 March 2022, it was reported that India would order additional 12 Su-30MKIs.[37]
In May 2022, the Indian government suspended the Su-30MKI order due to concerns over Moscow's ability to deliver parts to Hindustan Aeronautics and issues related to payment transfers.[38] On 15 September 2023, the Indian government preliminarily approved₹11,500crore (US$1.4 billion) to procure 12 Su-30MKIs for the air force with more than 60% indigenous content to replace jets that have crashed. The additional Su30MKIs will be incorporated with the Super Sukhoi upgrades.[39] As of November 2024, the order is expected to be finalised by the end ofFY2024-25.[40] On 12 December 2024, theCabinet Committee on Security cleared the procurement at a cost of₹13,500 crore (US$1.6 billion). The contract was signed on the same day. These aircraft will feature an indigenous content of around 62.6%.[41][42]
HAL will be restarting operations of itsNashik plant nearNashik Airport for the new potential orders which was previously used for producing 272 units of the jet earlier. The 12 jets are to be delivered at a short span of time.[43]
In May 2010,India Today reported that Russia had won a contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs with newradars, onboard computers,electronic warfare systems and the ability to carry theBrahMoscruise missile. The first two prototypes with the "Super-30" upgrade would be delivered to the IAF in 2012, after which the upgrades would be performed on the last batch of 40 production aircraft.[45] The Brahmos missile integrated on the Su-30MKI will provide the capability to attack ground targets from stand-off ranges of around 300 km.[46] On 25 June 2016, HAL conducted the first test flight of a Su-30MKI fitted with a BrahMos-A missile fromNashik, India. The first air launch of BrahMos from a Su-30MKI was successfully carried out on 22 November 2017.[47][48]
The Indian Defence Ministry proposed several upgrades for the Su-30MKI to the Indian Parliament, including the fitting of RussianPhazotronZhuk-AEActive electronically scanned array AESA radars starting in 2012.[49] During MMRCA trials the Zhuk-AE AESA radar demonstrated significant capabilities, including ground-mapping modes and the ability to detect and track aerial targets.[50] At the 2011 MAKS air-show,Irkut chairman Alexy Fedorov offered an upgrade package with an improved radar, and reduced radar signature to the Indian fleet to make them "Super Sukhois".[51][52]
But the plan for equipping the jets with Russian AESA radar was dropped in favor of phase wise upgradation of the jets with Indian avionics like by equipping the jets with an enlarged variant of Indian madeUttam AESAradar that was developed for theHAL LCA.[53] India also started to replace the Russian madefly-by-wire system with an Indian-made Flight Control system and even adopted a new digital RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) to replace the outdated manual Radar Warning Receiver previously used.[54]
In 2011, India issued a request for information to MBDA for the integration of theBrimstone ground attack missile and the long-rangeMeteor air-to-air missile.[55]
In 2012, upgrades of the earlier 80 Su-30MKIs involved equipping them with stand-off missiles with a range of 300 km; a request for information (ROI) was issued for such weapons.[56]
In August 2017, the Indian government cleared a proposal of₹30,000 crore (US$4 billion) to equip the planes with new reconnaissance pods.[57]
India is currently increasing the Su-30MKI'sBeyond Visual Range (BVR) engagement capability by arming its entire fleet with the indigenousAstra missile[58] having a range of 110 km[59] and the IsraeliDerby after it was found that the RussianR-77 active-radar homing BVR missile has inadequate performance.[60] In September 2019, the Astra missile was in multiple user-trials by Indian Air Force to validate its lethality for the Su-30MKI.[61]
Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, India has considered integrating an air-launched version of the nuclear-capableNirbhay cruise missile.[62]
In 2024, the Super Sukhoi project — a programme to upgrade IAF's Su-30MKI, considered the backbone of its fleet — was first announced. The upgrade included the introduction ofAESA radars, long-range weapons andelectronic warfare suite (EWS) to the fleet in order to extend its service life by 30 years. Additionally, the Su-30MKI will haveSuppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) capabilities along with offensives against ground targets in contested airspace.[63][64] The upgrade is to be carried out byHindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with the support ofDefence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and several private companies. Overall, 51 systems are to be upgraded including 30 by HAL, 13 by DRDO and 8 by private sector companies. The Indian indigenous content shall be increased to 78%. The upgrade is to allow the fighter to remain in service beyond 2055.[65][66][67]
Under this upgrade, many older Russian subsystems will be replaced by more modern Indian subsystems. Initially, around 90 aircraft will be upgraded to these standards. According to a report, "The project is divided into two phases, focusing initially on installing new avionics and radars, followed by enhancements to the flight control systems." "The upgrade will see significant private sector participation, with HAL as the lead integrator," CMD of HAL CB Ananthakrishnan said.[65]
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the₹66,829crore (US$7.9 billion) upgrade programme on 30 November 2023.[68][67]
As of November 2024, the financial aspects of the upgrade programme is being assessed. This will be followed by government clearance, which is expected early 2025. The first phase of the project, will include the upgradation of 84 jets which will take 15 years including testing and certification process followed by the upgrade process will take 5 to 7 years.[63][67]
The project is likely to be reviewed in the first week of July 2025, by the DAC under theMinistry of Defence during a scheduled meeting.[69][70][71] As of late October 2025, the ministry was examining the proposal to fast-track its clearance from theCabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The CCS approval will be followed by the design and development phase. HAL has set a timeline to deliver theinitial operational clearance (IOC) and final operational clearance (FOC) version within the fifth and seventh year of CCS nod, respectively. The upgraded aircraft will receive a redesigned cockpit along with new avionics, radars and IR sensors, a new electronic warfare suite including jammer pods.[72]
The current radar is to be replaced with a modern AESA radar namedDRDO Virupaakhsha (enhanced variant ofUttam AESA Radar) which will increase the detection range by 1.5 to 1.7 times making the jets capable to operate long range weapons likeAstra Mk3.[66]
In May 2024, DRDO'sCASDIC released an Expression of Interest (EoI) to collaborate with a Development-cum-Production Partner (DccP) to develop an indigenousElectronic Warfare suite. The allocated timeframe for Design and Development (D&D) 32 months. This programme includes integration, testing and trials of the system that is developed.[73] On 3 December 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the procurement of Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) compromising of External AirborneSelf Protection Jammer pods, Dhruti Next GenerationRadar Warning Receiver, Dual ColorMissile Approach Warning System and associated equipment.[74][75]
On 15 November 2025, the Ministry of Defence released aRequest for Information (RFI) to procure 100 sets of Aircraft Self Protection Jammers (ASPJ) complemented by associated equipment for the Su-30MKI aircraft. The last date for a vendor to respond to the RFI is 22 December. The deliveries are to be completed within a timeline of 36 months. The pods must be capable of jamming andspoofing enemy airborne and ground radars.[76][77]
In August 2024, a report suggested that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has prepared to sign a deal with HAL to purchase 230AL-31FP engines under a₹21,000crore (US$2.5 billion) deal to replace older engines. A total of 950 engines are required.[79][80] On 2 September,Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of 240 such engines for₹26,000crore (US$3.1 billion). The delivery of the engines will continue from 1 year of signing the contract to 8th year of signing the contract. The engines will be manufactured in HAL's Engine DivisionKoraput and will have an indigenous content of 54%.[81] The contract was signed officially on 9 September 2024.[82] The first engine was delivered on 1 October 2024 while all the engines will be delivered within 8 years at a production rate of 30 units per year.[83][84]
IIT Bombay has been engaged in the development ofArtificial Intelligence-based engine and assetmaintenance solutions for spares, inventory and combat potential optimisation. This will replace the current electronic maintenance management system. Sukhoi will also be involved in the project for the upgrade offly-by-wire system.[67]
In 2024, Indian media reported negotiations between HAL and Russia for exporting Indian-produced Su-30MKIs. This may be to circumvent Americaneconomic sanctions on the export of Russian weapons and their technology.[85]
Su-30MKI aerodynamic configuration is a longitudinal triplane withrelaxed stability. Thecanard increases the aircraftlift ability and deflects automatically to allow highangle of attack (AoA) flights allowing it to performPugachev's Cobra. The integral aerodynamic configuration combined withthrust vectoring results in extremely capable manoeuvrability, taking off and landing characteristics. This high agility allows rapid deployment of weapons in any direction as desired by the crew. The canard notably assists in controlling the aircraft at large angles-of-attack and bringing it to a level flight condition. The aircraft has afly-by-wire (FBW) with quadruple redundancy. Dependent on flight conditions, signals from thecontrol stick position transmitter or the FCS may be coupled to remote control amplifiers and combined with feedback signals from acceleration sensors and rategyros. The resultant control signals are coupled to the high-speedelectro-hydraulic actuators of theelevators,rudders and the canard. The output signals are compared and, if the difference is significant, the faulty channel is disconnected. FBW is based on astall warning and barrier mechanism which prevents stalls through dramatic increases of control stick pressure, allowing apilot to effectively control the aircraft without exceeding theangle of attack and acceleration limitations. Although the maximum angle of attack is limited by the canards, the FBW acts as an additional safety mechanism.
The Su-30MKI has a range of 3,000 km with internal fuel which ensures a 3.75 hour combat mission. Also, it has an in-flight refueling (IFR) probe that retracts beside the cockpit during normal operation. The air refueling system increases the flight duration up to 10 hours with a range of 3,000 km combat radius.[87] Su-30MKIs can also use the Cobham 754 buddy refueling pods.[88][89]
The displays include a customised version of the IsraeliElbit Su 967head-up display (HUD) consisting of bi-cubicphase conjugatedholographic displays and seven multifunctionliquid-crystal displays, six 127 mm × 127 mm and one 152 mm × 152 mm. Flight information is displayed on four LCD displays which include one for piloting and navigation, a tactical situation indicator, and two for display systems information including operating modes and overall status. Variants of this HUD have also been chosen for the IAF'sMikoyan MiG-27 andSEPECAT Jaguar upgrades for standardisation. The rear cockpit has a largermonochrome display for air-to-surfacemissile guidance.[citation needed]
The Su-30MKI on-board health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) monitors almost every aircraft system and sub-system, and can also act as an engineeringdata recorder. From 2010, indigenously designed and built HUDs and Multi-Function Displays (MFD) were produced by the Delhi-basedSamtel Group Display Systems.[92]
The crew are provided with zero-zeroNPP Zvezda K-36DM ejection seats. The rear seat is raised for better visibility. The cockpit is provided with containers to store food and water reserves, a waste disposal system and extraoxygen bottles. The K-36DM ejection seat is inclined at 30°, to help the pilot resist aircraft accelerations in air combat.
The forward-facingNIIP N011M Bars (Panther) is a powerful integratedpassive electronically scanned array (PESA) radar. The N011M is a digital multi-mode dual frequency band radar.[93] The N011M can function in air-to-air and air-to-land/sea mode simultaneously while being tied into a high-precision laser-inertial or GPS navigation system. It is equipped with a modern digital weapons control system as well as anti-jamming features. N011M has a 400 km search range and a maximum 200 km tracking range, and 60 km in the rear hemisphere.[94] The radar can track 15 air targets and engage 4 simultaneously.[94] These targets can even includecruise missiles and motionless helicopters. The Su-30MKI can function as amini-AWACS as a director or command post for other aircraft. The target co-ordinates can be transferred automatically to at least four other aircraft. The radar can detect ground targets such astanks at 40–50 km.[94] The Bars radar was planned to be replaced byZhuk-AESA in all Su-30MKI aircraft, but this has since been abandoned in favor of indigenous upgrades.[95]
OLS-30laser-opticalInfra-red search and track includes a day and nightFLIR capability and is used in conjunction with the helmet mounted sighting system. The OLS-30 is a combined IRST/LR device using a cooled, broad waveband sensor. Detection range is up to 90 km, while the laser ranger is effective to 3.5 km.[18][33] Targets are displayed on the same LCD display as the radar. IsraeliLITENINGtargeting pod is used to target laser guided munitions. The original Litening pod includes a long range FLIR, a TV camera, laser spot tracker to pick up target designated by other aircraft or ground forces, and an electro-optical point and inertial tracker, which enables engagement of the target even when partly obscured by clouds or countermeasures; it also integrates a laser range-finder and flash-lamp powered laser designator for the delivery oflaser-guided bombs, cluster and general-purpose bomb.[citation needed]
The aircraft is fitted with a satellite navigation system (A-737GPS compatible), which permits it to make flights in all weather, day and night. The navigation complex includes the high accuracySAGEM Sigma-95 integratedglobal positioning system andring laser gyroscopeinertial navigation system. Phase 3 of further development of the MKI, will integrate avionic systems being developed for the Indo-RussianFifth Generation Fighter Aircraft programme.[96]
Sukhoi Su-30MKI has electronic counter-measure systems. The RWR system is of Indian design, developed by India's DRDO, calledTarang, (Wave in English). It has direction finding capability and is known to have a programmable threat library. The RWR is derived from work done on an earlier system for India'sMiG-23BNs known as the Tranquil, which is now superseded by the more advanced Tarang series. Elta EL/M-8222 a self-protection jammer developed by Israel Aircraft Industries is the MKI's standard EW pod, which the Israeli Air Force uses on its F-15s. The ELTA El/M-8222 Self Protection Pod is a power-managed jammer, air-cooled system with an ESM receiver integrated into the pod. The pod contains an antenna on the forward and aft ends, which receive the hostile RF signal and after processing deliver the appropriate response.
In April 2022,Bharat Electronics andHindustan Aeronautics signed a contract for co-development and co-production of long range dual band infra-red search and track system for Su-30MKI. This will replace the current OLS-30 system with an initial order of 100 units. The IRST will feature Television Day Camera, Infrared & LASER sensors in single window for air to air and air to ground target tracking and localization.[97][33]
The Su-30MKI is powered by two Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FP turbofans, each rated at 12,500kgf (27,550lbf) of full after-burning thrust, which enable speeds of up to Mach 2 in horizontal flight and a rate of climb of 230 m/s. The mean time between overhaul is reportedly 1,000 hours with a full-life span of 3,000 hours; the titanium nozzle has a mean time between overhaul of 500 hours. In early 2015, Defence MinisterManohar Parrikar stated before Parliament that the AL-31FP had suffered numerous failures, between the end of 2012 and early 2015, a total of 69 Su-30MKI engine-related failures had occurred; commons causes werebearing failures due tometal fatigue and low oil pressure, in response several engine modifications were made to improve lubrication, as well as the use of higher quality oil and adjustments to the fitting of bearings.[98]
The Su-30MKI's AL-31FP powerplant built on the earlier AL-31FU, adding two-planethrust vectoring nozzles are mounted 32 degrees outward to longitudinal engine axis (i.e. in the horizontal plane) and can be deflected ±15 degrees in one plane. The canting allows the aircraft to produce both roll and yaw by vectoring each engine nozzle differently; this allows the aircraft to create thrust vectoring moments about all three rotational axes,pitch, yaw and roll. Engine thrust is adjusted via a conventional engine throttle lever as opposed to a strain-gauge engine control stick. The aircraft is controlled by a standard control stick. The pilot can activate a switch for performing difficult maneuvers; while this is enabled, the computer automatically determines the deflection angles of the swiveling nozzles and aerodynamic surfaces.[99]
IAF Su-30MKIs deployed to the Nellis Air Force Base to participate in the Red Flag 08-4 air combat exercise
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is the most potent fighter jet in service with the Indian Air Force in the late 2000s.[100] The MKIs are often fielded by the IAF in bilateral and multilateralair exercises. In 2004, India sent Su-30MKs, the initial variant of the Su-30MKI, to take part in war games with theUnited States Air Force (USAF) duringCope India 04. The results have been widely publicised, with the Indians winning "90% of the mock combat missions" against the USAF's F-15C. The parameters of the exercise heavily favored the IAF; none of the six3rd Wing F-15Cs were equipped with the newer long-range,active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars and, at India's request, the U.S. agreed to mock combat at 3-to-1 odds and without the use of simulated long-range, radar-guidedAIM-120 AMRAAMs for beyond-visual-range kills.[101][102] In Cope India 05, the Su-30MKIs reportedly beat the USAF'sF-16s.[103]
India exercised its Su-30MKIs against theRoyal Air Force'sTornado ADVs in October 2006.[104] This was the first large-scale bilateral aerial exercise with any foreign air force during which the IAF used its Su-30MKIs extensively. This exercise was also the first in 43 years with the RAF. During the exercise, the RAF Air Chief Marshal Glenn Torpy was given permission by the IAF to fly the MKI.[105] RAF's Air Vice Marshal, Christopher Harper, praised the MKI's dogfight ability, calling it "absolutely masterful in dogfights".[106]
In July 2007, the Indian Air Force fielded the Su-30MKI during theIndra-Dhanush exercise with Royal Air Force'sEurofighter Typhoon. This was the first time that the two fighters took part in such an exercise.[107][108] The IAF did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011MBars radar system.[109] Also in the exercise were RAF Tornado F3s and a Hawk. RAF Tornado pilots were candid in their admission of the Su-30MKI's superior manoeuvring in the air, and the IAF pilots were impressed by the Typhoon's agility.[110]
In July 2008, the IAF sent 6 Su-30MKIs and 2Il-78MKI aerial-refueling tankers, to participate in theRed Flag exercise.[111] The IAF again did not allow their pilots to use the radar of the MKIs during the exercise so as to protect the highly classified N011M Bars. In October 2008, a video surfaced on the internet which featured a USAF colonel, Terrence Fornof, criticising Su-30MKI's performance against the F-15C, engine serviceability issues, and high friendly kill rate during the Red Flag exercise.[112][113] Several of his claims were later rebutted by the Indian side and the USAF also distanced itself from his remarks.[114][115]
In June 2010, India and France began the fourth round of their joint air exercises, "Garuda", at theIstres Air Base in France. During Garuda, the IAF and theFrench Air Force were engaged in various missions ranging from close combat engagement of large forces, slow mover protection, protecting and engaging high value aerial assets. This exercise marked the first time the Su-30MKI took part in a military exercise in France.[116]
The IAF again fielded its MKIs in the Garuda-V exercise with France in June 2014, where they manoeuvred in mixed groups with other IAF aircraft and FrenchRafales.[118][119]
RAF Typhoon and Su-30MKI during Indradhanush 2015
On 21 July 2015, India and UK began the bilateral exercise namedIndradhanush with aircraft operating from three Royal Air Force bases. The exercises included bothBeyond Visual Range (BVR) and Within Visual Range (WVR) exercises between the Su-30MKI andEurofighter Typhoon. Indian media reported the results were in favour of the IAF with a score of 12–0 at WVR engagements. They also claim that the IAF Su-30MKIs held an edge over the Typhoons in BVR engagements though not in as dominating a manner.[120] The RAF issued a statement that the results being reported by the Indian media did not reflect the results of the exercise.[121] According toAviation International News, "In close combat, thrust vector control on the Flankers more than compensated for the greater thrust-to-weight ratio of the Typhoon".[122]
On 26 February 2019, four Sukhoi Su-30MKIs escorted Mirage 2000s into Pakistan for theBalakot airstrike which destroyed aJaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp.[123][124] The following day, two Su-30MKIs oncombat air patrol were attacked by multiple Pakistani F-16s usingAMRAAM missiles. The jets successfully dodged and jammed multiple missiles.[125] The debris of an AMRAAM missile was later recovered and displayed by the IAF to disprove the Pakistani claim of not using the F-16 as Pakistan can only use the missile with F-16s.[126] PAF claimed that it had downed an Indian Sukhoi Su-30MKI in the aerial skirmish.[127] The Indian Air Force stated that all dispatched Sukhoi aircraft returned safely with the only confirmed loss was a MiG-21.[128][129][130] On 8 October 2019, during the Indian Air Force Day celebrations, the IAF flew the Su-30MKI that Pakistan claimed to have shot down.[131][132]
In 2024, IAF deployed four Su-30MKIs to multinationalExercise Pitch Black 2024 hosted byRoyal Australian Air Force which will be held from July 12 to August 2. The long distance flight is supported byIl-78MKI mid-air refueller,C-17 Globemaster and a hault inHalim, Indonesia. The Indian contingent conprises of 150 personnel including pilots, engineers, technicians, controllers, and other subject matter experts. This will be the largest version of the exercise since its inception in 1981.[133][134][135] The same contingent participated in Exercise Udara Shakti withSukhoi Su-30MKM of theRoyal Malaysian Air Force which was conducted from 5 to 9 August atKuantan, Malaysia.[136][137] The contingent returned to India on 10 August 2024.[138]
India launchedOperation Sindoor in the early hours of 7 May 2025, targeting nine alleged terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to thePahalgam attack. During the mission, Su-30MKIs of theIndian Air Force provided air defence cover to ensure that Indian strike aircraft could carry out the mission without threat from Pakistani interceptors.[143] On 10 May 2025, the IAF Su-30MKIs reportedly struck 11 PAF airbases with theBrahMos missile resulting in extensive damage to some of them.[144][145][146] France's air chief told reporters in June and claimed that he had seen evidence of the loss of a fighter and two other aircraft including a Russian-made Sukhoi.[147]
Since Su-30MKI's entry to service in 2002, the aircraft flew seven years without any major incidents. The first crash occurred in 2009. As of November 2024, 13 Su-30MKIs were lost in crashes including 3 fatalities.[164][165]
On 30 April 2009, an Su-30MKI (SB-021) from the30 Squadron crashed inRajasthan. Both the pilots ejected successfully but one of them succumbed to injuries. According to reports. the pilots had inadvertently switched off the aircraft’s flight control system.
On 30 November 2009, another aircraft from the31 Squadron crashed overPokhran, Rajasthan during a training sortie after an engine caught fire. Both pilots ejected successfully.
On 13 December 2011, an aircraft (SB-142) of the20 Squadron crashed at Wade-Bholai village nearPune,Maharashtra. The crash occurred due to human error after servicing of the aircraft at the Nashik facility ofHindustan Aeronautics Limited. The pilots survived.[166]
On 19 April 2012, an aircraft crashed during a "Repaired Routing Training Flight".[clarification needed]
On 19 February 2013, an Su-30MKI crashed in Pokhran region at around 19:20IST. The crash occurred due to defunctive ordnance onboard the aircraft as the bomb exploded while it was attached on to the underwing pylons. The pilots survived.
On 14 October 2014, one Su-30MKI crashed in Pune.[167][168]
On 19 May 2015, one Su-30MKI crashed in Tezpur, Assam.[169]
On 15 March 2017, an Su-30MKI crashed in the Barmer district of Rajasthan during a training sortie. The pilots ejected safely but three family members were injured as the jet crashed over a residential area. This was the seventh crash of the aircraft.[170][171][172]
On 23 May 2017, two pilots died after a crash of Su-30MKI (SB-063) from2 Squadron. The aircraft took off fromTezpur AFS as a part of two aircraft formation. The aircraft later lost radar, radio and air traffic control contact at 11.10 IST. The aircraft was last detected 60 km (37 mi) northwest of Tezpur.
On 27 June 2018, a Su-30MKI crashed in Nashik, Maharashtra.[173][174][175]
On 8 August 2019, a Su-30MKI crashed in a paddy field near Tezpur in Assam.[176][177]
On 28 January 2023, an Su-30MKI and aMirage 2000H of theTACDE were involved in a mid-air collision. The Mirage-2000H pilot and instructor,Wing Commander Hanumanth Rao Sarathi, was unable to eject and died in the accident, whereas the two pilots flying the Su-30MKI, ejected and were hospitalised with minor injuries. Both fighter jets had taken off fromMaharajpur AFS,Gwalior for a training mission.[178][179]
On 4 June 2024, an Su-30MKI (SB-182) crashed in a farm in Shirasgaon village inNashik district. The pilots includingWing commander Bokil and Second-in-command Biswas ejected safely from the aircraft. An investigation has been ordered by the Indian Air Force about the cause of the accident.[180][181]
On 23 August 2024, reports emerged that an IAF fighter aircraft had "inadvertently" released an "air store" overPokhran. An investigation was launched on the matter. Later, it was confirmed that the concerned aircraft was an Su-30MKI while the air store was aRampage missile.[182][183][184]
Hardpoints: 12hardpoints (2 × wing-tip AAM launch rails, 6 × pylons under-wing, 2 × pylon under-enginenacelles, and 2 × pylons in tandem in the "arch" between the engines. It can be increased to 14 using multiple ejector racks.) with a capacity of up to 8,130 kg (17,920 lb), with provisions to carry combinations of:
^"Indian Jets Strike on Pakistani Side of Kashmir Line".The New York Times. 25 February 2019.Archived from the original on 27 February 2019. Retrieved9 June 2021.But it was unclear what, if anything, the attack jets hit on the Pakistani side, raising the possibility that India was making a calculated bet to assuage public anger but minimize the risk of a major Pakistani military response. ... Western security officials have raised questions about the existence of a large-scale training camp, saying that Pakistan no longer runs such camps
^Singh, Sushant (1 March 2019)."India's Exhibit Debris of AMRAAM missile that nails Pakistan's F-16 denial".The Indian Express.Archived from the original on 25 June 2020. Retrieved27 July 2021."There is enough evidence to show that F-16s were used in this mission and Pakistan is trying to hide this fact. Also, parts of AMRAAM air-to-air missile, which is carried only on the F-16s in PAF, were recovered east of Rajouri within Indian territory", Air Vice Marshal R G K Kapoor said
India
