India to modify Su-30MKI jets for long-range Russian missiles

The Indian Ministry of Defence is considering a proposal to modify the Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet to integrate the Russian-origin RVV-BD air-to-air missile. This long-range weapon is capable of engaging targets at distances of up to 300 kilometers and can strike high-value assets such as Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft and electronic warfare platforms at speeds of approximately Mach 6.

The Su-30MKI fleet, which consists of more than 260 aircraft, serves as the backbone of the Indian Air Force. The proposed modifications would require significant technical updates, including adaptations to mission control systems, radar software, and weapon management systems to ensure compatibility with the aircraft’s existing avionics.

In addition to the missile integration, India is pursuing broader modernization efforts for the Su-30MKI fleet. This includes a potential project with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to overhaul the aircraft’s AL-31 engines. These upgrades aim to enhance the detection and strike capabilities of the fleet to counter advanced regional aerial threats.