New Delhi, April 10 (NationPress) In a significant effort to enhance 'Atmanirbharata' in defense capabilities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated a comprehensive indigenization program aimed at upgrading its fleet of fighter jets with advanced components and locally manufactured launchers.

The Sukhoi-30 MKI fleet, capable of launching the BrahMos missile—one of the most formidable missiles available—is currently undergoing enhancements as part of the "Super Sukhoi" upgrade initiative, which will incorporate indigenous technology and essential improvements.

This project, spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), aims to integrate Indian avionics, radars, and weaponry to lessen reliance on Russian systems while upgrading to homegrown military technologies.

It is noteworthy that the Su-30 jets represent the largest portion of the IAF's fighter aircraft inventory.

The overhaul of the entire weapons system is included in the 'Super Sukhoi' program, which plans to enhance the avionics, radar systems, and engines of 84 Sukhoi aircraft.

As part of this initiative, there is a strong emphasis on the indigenization of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missile launchers as well as the missiles themselves. While various indigenous missiles are already being incorporated, the current strategy seeks to ensure that every component—from launchers to missiles—will be completely indigenous.

The Su-30 MKI jets were initially acquired from Russia. Currently, the mounting of weapons or equipment onto the aircraft relies on launchers and adapters provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), which come with restrictions on payload capacity, necessitating a separate launcher for each type of weapon.

Due to logistical difficulties in changing launchers, the IAF is working towards implementing a "common launcher" system that would facilitate the efficient deployment of different missile types without the need for physical launcher changes.

Efforts are underway to closely align this project with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative. The Air Force's strategy focuses not only on the domestic development of launchers but also on the creation of indigenous air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. The air-to-ground missile is part of India's forthcoming series of air-dropped precision-guided munitions.

It is important to highlight that the IAF has acquired a total of 272 Sukhoi-30 aircraft from Russia, with 50 delivered as fully assembled units and the remaining 222 manufactured domestically by HAL under a licensing agreement since 2000.

The Sukhoi-30 remains the only fighter capable of carrying and launching the BrahMos missile, making the maintenance of fleet strength essential, as it can deliver a substantial payload of bombs and missiles.