Sukhoi Su-30MKI

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Company type	Public sector undertaking
Industry	Aerospace, Defence
Founded	December 23, 1940; 85 years ago in Bangalore, India
Headquarters	Bangalore, India
Products	Aircraft manufacturing, including Su-30MKI fighter jet (licensed production)
Number of employees	30,000+
Website	hal-india.co.in

Sukhoi Su-30MKI (NATO reporting name: Flanker-H) is a twin-engine, two-seat multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi and manufactured under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This model is a variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, characterized as a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter jet.

The development commenced following a 2000 agreement between India and Russia to produce 140 Su-30s. The first Su-30MKI built in Russia was inducted into the IAF in 2002, with the first aircraft assembled in India entering service in November 2004. Currently, the IAF operates close to 260 Su-30MKIs. This aircraft is projected to remain central to the IAF’s fighter fleet well beyond 2020.

Customized to meet Indian requirements, the Su-30MKI incorporates avionics and subsystems from Indian, French, and Israeli sources. It shares numerous design elements and components with the advanced Sukhoi Su-35.

Origins and acquisition

The Su-30MKI design originated with Russia's Sukhoi Corporation in 1995 and is produced under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Based on the Sukhoi Su-27, it integrates technologies from the Su-37 demonstrator and the Su-30 program, making it more sophisticated than the standard Su-30. The Russian Defence Ministry ordered 30 Su-30SMs—a localized variant of the Su-30MKI—for its Air Force. This version includes avionics developed collaboratively by Russia, India, and Israel, plus additional systems sourced from France and South Africa.

After a two-year evaluation period, India finalized a contract worth US$1.462 billion on 30 November 1996 with Sukhoi for 50 Russian-built Su-30MKIs delivered in five batches. Early batches consisted of Su-30Ks later upgraded to Su-30MKI specifications by HAL. Later batches introduced canard foreplanes and AL-31FP turbofan engines.

In October 2000, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to initiate licensed production of 140 Su-30MKIs in India; full technology transfer was agreed upon in December 2000 at the Irkutsk facility in Russia. The IAF placed orders for a total of 272 aircraft: 50 supplied directly from Russia between 2002 and 2007, with 222 assembled under licence at HAL starting from 2004. Although deliveries were initially scheduled through 2017–18, completion was accelerated to 2015. HAL's manufacturing spans multiple facilities—including Koraput, Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Nasik—progressing through four phases that increased indigenous content from kit assembly to full domestic production by 2013.

An additional order for 40 Su-30MKIs was placed by India in 2007; fleet size targets reached approximately 230 aircraft by 2009. In 2008, Samtel HAL Display Systems secured a contract to develop multifunction avionics displays for this platform. A helmet-mounted display system based on Thales technology is planned for future upgrades. Discussions between India and Russia in March 2010 considered procurement of another 42 units; this was approved by India's Cabinet Committee on Security in June 2010 for INR15,000 crore (around $2 billion), with delivery expected by 2018.

By August 2010, unit costs had escalated to $102 million each—totaling $4.3 billion—nearly doubling from approximately $40 million per aircraft in 2007. This cost increase sparked speculation that these later units might be configured for nuclear strike roles under India's Strategic Forces Command.

HAL targeted complete indigenization of the Su-30MKI project by 2010; as of 2017, over eighty percent of the aircraft’s components are produced domestically. The Indian government reaffirmed plans to procure an additional batch of 42 aircraft in October 2012; an agreement for assembly kits was signed during President Putin’s December 2012 visit, bringing total orders to 272 units.

As of 2024, all 272 ordered Su-30MKIs have been delivered: starting with an initial import of 50 units followed by licensed production batches of 140 (2000), then orders for 40 (2007), and finally another 42 (2012).

In June 2018, India reportedly opted against placing further orders due to maintenance expenses being higher compared to Western-made fighters.

Additional procurement

In June 2020, India placed an order for 12 additional Su-30MKI fighters along with 21 MiG-29 aircraft to sustain the authorized fleet strength of 272 Su-30MKIs and establish a fourth squadron of MiG-29s. Despite being older models, the MiG-29s were selected due to their rapid delivery timeline of 2–3 years and cost advantages over newer alternatives. On 18 March 2022, India announced plans to acquire another batch of 12 Su-30MKIs.

However, in May 2022, the Indian government paused the Su-30MKI procurement citing concerns regarding the supply of parts from Moscow and payment complications. Subsequently, on 15 September 2023, a preliminary sanction of ₹11,500 crore was granted for the purchase of 12 Su-30MKIs featuring over 60% indigenous components and incorporating Super Sukhoi enhancements. By November 2024, the deal was anticipated to be finalized before the conclusion of fiscal year 2024-25. On 12 December 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security approved a ₹13,500 crore contract which was signed the same day, with indigenous content reaching approximately 62.6%.

To fulfill the accelerated delivery schedule, HAL will reactivate its Nashik facility, previously utilized for manufacturing all 272 units.

Modernization

In 2004, India inked an agreement with Russia to produce the Novator K-100 missile domestically for the Su-30MKI, targeting airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) and C4ISTAR platforms; nevertheless, this initiative did not advance.

By May 2010, Russia secured a contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs with advanced radar systems, onboard computing units, electronic warfare suites, and integration capability for the BrahMos cruise missile. The initial two "Super-30" upgraded prototypes were delivered in 2012, followed by modernization of the final batch of 40 production aircraft. Incorporating BrahMos enabled precision strikes against ground targets from stand-off distances near 300 km. On 25 June 2016, HAL executed the first test flight of a Su-30MKI equipped with a BrahMos-A missile from its Nashik base. The inaugural air launch of BrahMos from a Su-30MKI took place on 22 November 2017.

Starting in 2012, the Indian Defence Ministry proposed equipping Su-30MKIs with Russian Phazotron Zhuk-AE AESA radars. The Zhuk-AE radar demonstrated sophisticated functionalities during MMRCA evaluations such as ground mapping and aerial target detection. At the MAKS air show in 2011, Irkut presented an upgrade package featuring enhanced radar capabilities and reduced radar cross-section aimed at producing "Super Sukhois."

Despite these offers, India abandoned plans for Russian AESA radars in favor of phased enhancements featuring indigenous avionics. This included adopting an enlarged variant of the native Uttam AESA radar originally developed for the HAL LCA. Additionally, India replaced the Russian fly-by-wire system with a domestically developed flight control system and introduced a modern digital Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) to supplant older manual systems.

In 2011, India issued a request for information to MBDA regarding integration of the Brimstone ground attack missile alongside the long-range Meteor air-to-air missile.

By 2012, upgrades to the first batch of 80 Su-30MKIs included equipping them with stand-off missiles capable of ranges up to 300 km; a request for information was issued accordingly.

In August 2017, approval was granted by the Indian government for a ₹30,000 crore program aimed at outfitting the fleet with new reconnaissance pods.

To enhance Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat capability across its entire Su-30MKI fleet, India is arming these aircraft with its indigenous Astra missile, which boasts a range of approximately 110 km, as well as the Israeli Derby. This decision followed assessments that found performance shortcomings in the Russian R-77 BVR missile. In September 2019, Astra underwent extensive user trials conducted by the Indian Air Force to validate its lethality when deployed from Su-30MKIs.

Although not originally intended for nuclear or strategic armaments, India has explored integrating an air-launched variant of the nuclear-capable Nirbhay cruise missile.

Super Sukhoi initiative

Unveiled in 2024, the Super Sukhoi initiative focuses on modernizing the Indian Air Force's Su-30MKI fleet, which forms its core strength, by incorporating AESA radars, extended-range weaponry, and a cutting-edge electronic warfare suite (EWS) designed to prolong the aircraft’s operational lifespan by three decades. Key improvements target Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) capabilities and enhanced ground strike performance within hostile airspace. This upgrade program is spearheaded by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), with collaboration from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private sector companies. The plan covers 51 systems—30 developed by HAL, 13 by DRDO, and 8 by private entities—aiming to boost indigenous content to 78%. The fighter jets are projected to stay in service well beyond 2055.

The project involves replacing legacy Russian components with advanced Indian-made technologies. Initially, approximately 90 aircraft will undergo upgrades in two stages: the first phase will introduce new avionics and radar systems, followed by improvements to flight control mechanisms. HAL acts as the principal integrator while engaging significant private industry participation. On 30 November 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) sanctioned the ₹66,829 crore modernization contract.

By November 2024, budget details were under governmental scrutiny with approval expected in early 2025. The initial phase plans to upgrade 84 aircraft across 15 years, encompassing testing and certification activities, succeeded by a secondary upgrade phase lasting five to seven years. A DAC evaluation is anticipated in July 2025 under the Ministry of Defence’s oversight.

By late October 2025, efforts were underway within the ministry to accelerate Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) endorsement. HAL aims to achieve initial operational clearance (IOC) and final operational clearance (FOC) within five to seven years following CCS approval. The enhancements include a revamped cockpit design, updated avionics suites, new radar systems, infrared sensors, and an advanced electronic warfare suite equipped with jammer pods.

As of November 2025, CCS approval is expected imminently, with Russia's involvement limited primarily to support roles.

AESA radar

The current radar system will be superseded by the DRDO Virupaakhsha, an upgraded version of the Uttam AESA Radar, offering an increase in detection range by a factor of 1.5 to 1.7. This advancement enables deployment of extended-range munitions such as the Astra Mk3.

Electronic warfare suite

In May 2024, DRDO’s CASDIC issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) seeking a Development-cum-Production Partner (DccP) for the indigenous creation of an Electronic Warfare suite. The project targets a design and development timeline of 32 months covering integration and testing phases. Subsequently, on 3 December 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council approved procurement of an Electronic Warfare Suite comprising External Airborne Self Protection Jammer pods, Dhruti Next Generation Radar Warning Receiver, Dual Color Missile Approach Warning System, along with associated equipment.

On 15 November 2025, the Ministry of Defence released a Request for Information (RFI) aiming to acquire 100 Aircraft Self Protection Jammers (ASPJ) with related accessories for the Su-30MKI fleet. Vendor submissions are due by 22 December, with delivery expected within three years. The jammer pods must be capable of effectively disrupting and deceiving enemy airborne and ground-based radar systems.

Extended-range armaments

The aircraft will receive upgrades enabling them to launch BrahMos-ER missiles, alongside the incorporation of Rudram-II, the Astra missile family, and R-37M missiles.

Engine procurement and additional developments

By August 2024, the Defence Ministry was preparing to finalize a ₹21,000 crore agreement with HAL for acquiring 230 units of the AL-31FP engines, part of an overall demand totaling 950 engines. Subsequently, on 2 September, the Cabinet Committee on Security authorized the purchase of 240 engines valued at ₹26,000 crore. These engines are scheduled for delivery within one to eight years following contract finalization and will be manufactured at HAL’s Koraput facility, featuring 54% indigenous components. The contract was officially signed on 9 September 2024, with the initial engine delivered by 1 October; annual production is planned at a rate of 30 engines.

IIT Bombay is actively developing AI-driven solutions for engine diagnostics and maintenance to enhance spare parts management, inventory control, and operational readiness, aiming to replace the existing electronic maintenance system. Additionally, Sukhoi is engaged in modernizing the fly-by-wire control system.

Licensed exports

In 2024, reports from Indian media indicated ongoing discussions between HAL and Russian entities concerning the export of Su-30MKIs manufactured in India. This initiative could serve as a means to circumvent US-imposed economic sanctions targeting Russian weapons and technology transfers.

Structural features

The Su-30MKI employs a sophisticated twin-fin airframe built primarily from titanium and high-strength aluminum alloys. Its engine intake ramps and nacelles are aerodynamically refined with trouser fairings that seamlessly connect to tail booms supporting vertical fins and horizontal stabilizers. The central fuselage beam accommodates avionics equipment, fuel tanks, and the brake parachute housing. The semi-monocoque fuselage integrates the cockpit, radar compartment, and avionics bay within its structure.

Aerodynamically classified as a longitudinal triplane with relaxed stability characteristics, the aircraft’s canards improve lift and automatically adjust during high angle-of-attack (AoA) maneuvers such as Pugachev's Cobra. This feature combined with thrust vectoring grants superior agility along with enhanced takeoff and landing capabilities. The canards assist in controlling flight at elevated AoA levels by aiding recovery to level flight. The fly-by-wire (FBW) system incorporates quadruple redundancy and merges pilot commands with sensor inputs to manage elevators, rudders, and canard surfaces. It also includes stall warning mechanisms that increase control stick resistance to prevent exceeding safe AoA and acceleration thresholds.

With an internal fuel range of approximately 3,000 km, the Su-30MKI supports combat missions lasting up to 3.75 hours. An in-flight refueling probe extends endurance up to ten hours while maintaining a similar combat radius. The aircraft is also compatible with Cobham 754 buddy refueling pods.

The radar cross-section (RCS) is reported to vary between 4 and 20 square meters.

Cockpit layout

The cockpit features a bespoke Israeli Elbit Su 967 head-up display (HUD) utilizing bi-cubic phase conjugated holographic technology alongside seven multifunction liquid crystal displays—six measuring 127 mm × 127 mm and one at 152 mm × 152 mm. Flight information is presented across four LCDs covering piloting data, navigation details, tactical awareness, and system diagnostics. Variants of this HUD are also integrated into upgrades for IAF's Mikoyan MiG-27 and SEPECAT Jaguar fleets for operational uniformity. The rear cockpit contains a larger monochrome display dedicated to air-to-surface missile targeting.

An onboard health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) continuously tracks nearly all aircraft subsystems while functioning as an engineering data recorder. Since 2010, indigenous HUDs and Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) have been manufactured by Samtel Group Display Systems based in Delhi.

Both crew members utilize zero-zero NPP Zvezda K-36DM ejection seats; the rear seat is elevated to enhance rearward visibility. The cockpit accommodates provisions for food storage, water supply, waste management, and additional oxygen cylinders. The K-36DM seats are angled at 30° to assist pilots in enduring high G-forces during combat operations.

Avionics

The NIIP N011M Bars radar, positioned at the front, is a sophisticated integrated passive electronically scanned array (PESA) digital multi-mode system operating on dual frequencies. It simultaneously supports air-to-air and air-to-surface (land/sea) operations, seamlessly integrated with high-accuracy laser-inertial or GPS navigation systems. Featuring advanced digital weapons control alongside anti-jamming capabilities, the radar offers a search radius of 400 km, a forward tracking range of 200 km, and coverage of 60 km in the rear hemisphere. It can monitor up to 15 airborne targets and engage four concurrently, including cruise missiles and hovering helicopters. The Su-30MKI can serve as a compact AWACS platform by directing other aircraft through automatic target coordinate sharing. Ground targets such as armored vehicles are detectable within a 40–50 km range. Initial plans to replace Bars with the Zhuk-AESA radar were set aside in favor of domestic enhancements.

The OLS-30 laser-optical infrared search and track (IRST) system provides day and night FLIR functionality integrated with the helmet-mounted sighting apparatus. Utilizing a cooled broad waveband sensor, it detects targets up to 90 km away and offers laser ranging up to 3.5 km; detected objects are displayed on the radar’s LCD screen. Israeli LITENING targeting pods facilitate precise deployment of laser-guided munitions, equipped with long-range FLIR, TV camera, laser spot tracking, electro-optical point and inertial tracking systems, and laser range-finding and designating capabilities.

Navigation is supported by an A-737 GPS-compatible satellite system combined with SAGEM Sigma-95 GPS and ring laser gyroscope-based inertial navigation systems, ensuring all-weather operational capability. The avionics suite will be further advanced in Phase 3 development by incorporating technology from the Indo-Russian Sukhoi/HAL FGFA fifth-generation fighter program.

Electronic countermeasure systems include the indigenous DRDO Tarang radar warning receiver (RWR), featuring direction-finding capabilities and programmable threat libraries derived from earlier Tranquil technology. Additionally, the Israeli Elta EL/M-8222 self-protection jammer pod delivers power-managed jamming combined with integrated electronic support measures (ESM).

In April 2022, Bharat Electronics and Hindustan Aeronautics entered into an agreement to jointly develop and manufacture a long-range dual-band IRST system for the Su-30MKI. This new system will replace the OLS-30 with an initial production batch of 100 units. It will integrate Television Day Camera, Infrared, and LASER sensors to provide comprehensive target tracking and localization for both air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements.

Propulsion

The Su-30MKI is propelled by two Lyulka-Saturn AL-31FP turbofan engines, each delivering 12,500 kgf (27,550 lbf) of thrust with afterburner engaged. This powerplant enables maximum speeds reaching Mach 2 and a climb rate of 230 m/s. The engines have a mean time between overhauls of approximately 1,000 hours and an overall service life of around 3,000 hours; however, the titanium nozzles require maintenance every 500 hours. Between late 2012 and early 2015, there were 69 recorded engine failures primarily attributed to bearing issues caused by metal fatigue and insufficient oil pressure. Improvements were made by enhancing lubrication systems, upgrading oil quality, and refining bearing fittings.

The AL-31FP incorporates two-plane thrust vectoring nozzles angled outward at 32°, capable of deflecting ±15°, which grants control over pitch, yaw, and roll axes. Thrust modulation is managed via a conventional throttle lever; for complex maneuvers, pilots engage a switch that allows the onboard computer to automatically adjust nozzle positions along with aerodynamic control surfaces.

Operational history

Since the late 2000s, the Su-30MKI has stood as the Indian Air Force's most formidable combat aircraft. It has been actively involved in numerous bilateral and multilateral aerial exercises. During the 2004 Cope India war games against the United States Air Force, Indian Su-30MKs reportedly achieved a 90% success rate in simulated combat missions against F-15Cs, with exercise parameters favoring the IAF. In the subsequent Cope India 05 event, Su-30MKIs were said to have outperformed USAF F-16 fighters.

In October 2006, the IAF conducted exercises pitting Su-30MKIs against Royal Air Force Tornado ADVs—the first extensive bilateral air drills with the RAF in over four decades. RAF commanders commended the MKI's capabilities in close-range aerial combat.

The July 2007 Indra-Dhanush exercise marked the initial encounter between Su-30MKIs and RAF Eurofighter Typhoons. To safeguard classified radar technology, IAF pilots refrained from activating their MKI radars during engagements. RAF Tornado pilots acknowledged the superior agility and maneuverability of the Su-30MKI.

During July 2008, six Su-30MKIs accompanied by two Il-78MKI refueling tankers took part in the USAF's Red Flag exercise, operating without radar to protect sensitive systems. A USAF colonel later criticized the Su-30MKI's reliability and performance at Red Flag; however, these assertions were contested by Indian officials and subsequently tempered by USAF representatives.

In June 2010, the Su-30MKI made its debut in French territory by participating in the Indo-French Garuda exercises held in France.

By July 2013, eight Su-30MKIs returned to Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base, supported by additional aircraft and ground personnel.

The IAF deployed MKIs again for Garuda-V in June 2014, this time alongside French Rafale fighters.

The July 2015 Indradhanush exercise with the United Kingdom included both beyond visual range (BVR) and within visual range (WVR) engagements between Su-30MKIs and Eurofighter Typhoons. Indian media outlets reported a dominant showing by IAF pilots; however, these claims were contested by RAF sources. Aviation International News observed that thrust vectoring technology helped offset the Typhoon’s thrust-to-weight advantage.

On 26 February 2019, four Su-30MKIs escorted Mirage 2000 jets during the Balakot airstrike targeting a terrorist camp inside Pakistan. The next day, two MKIs successfully evaded multiple AMRAAM missiles launched by Pakistani F-16s; recovered missile fragments confirmed their use despite Pakistani denials. While Pakistan asserted it had shot down a Su-30MKI, India confirmed that all Sukhoi aircraft involved returned safely.

In 2024, a detachment of four Su-30MKIs participated in the multinational Exercise Pitch Black in Australia, supported by mid-air refueling and en route logistical stops. This deployment involved around 150 personnel and represented one of the largest editions of the exercise to date. The same group later took part in Exercise Udara Shakti alongside Royal Malaysian Air Force Su-30MKMs in August.

On 9 January 2025, IAF Su-30MKI and Jaguar fighters conducted joint air defense drills with French Navy Rafale Ms during the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group’s visit to India.

Between August and September 2025, five Su-30MKIs along with a C-17 Globemaster III participated in Exercise Bright Star in Egypt—a multilateral event involving forces from over forty nations.

India initiated Operation Sindoor on 7 May 2025 targeting nine alleged terrorist camps located across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir; Su-30MKIs provided essential air defense coverage enabling strike aircraft to carry out missions securely. On 10 May, MKIs reportedly launched BrahMos missile strikes on eleven Pakistan Air Force bases causing significant damage. Subsequently, France’s air chief indicated evidence suggesting losses that included a Russian-made Sukhoi during these operations.

Prospective operators

Information suggests that Armenia is on the verge of concluding a $3 billion agreement to procure 12 Su-30MKIs of the Super Sukhoi variant from India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for its Armenian Air Force. This acquisition is viewed as a strategic response to Azerbaijan's procurement of 40 JF-17 Thunder aircraft from Pakistan.

Operators

Indian Air Force – Currently operates 260 units, with 12 additional aircraft on order.
- Bareilly Air Force Station: 15 Wing
  - No. 8 Squadron IAF (Eight Pursoots)
  - No. 24 Squadron IAF (Hawks)
- Chabua Air Force Station: 14 Wing
  - No. 102 Squadron IAF (Trisonics)
- Halwara Air Force Station: 9 Wing
  - No. 220 Squadron IAF (Desert Tigers)
  - No. 221 Squadron IAF (Valiants)
- Jodhpur Air Force Station: 32 Wing
  - No. 31 Squadron IAF (Lions)
- Lohegaon Air Force Station: 2 Wing
  - No. 20 Squadron IAF (Lightnings)
  - No. 30 Squadron IAF (Rhinos)
- Sirsa Air Force Station: 45 Wing
  - No. 15 Squadron IAF (Flying Lancers)
- Tezpur Air Force Station: 11 Wing
  - No. 2 Squadron IAF (Winged Arrows)
  - No. 106 Squadron IAF (Lynxes)
- Maharajpur Air Force Station: 40 Wing
  - Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment (TACDE)
- Thanjavur Air Force Station: 47 Wing
  - No. 222 Squadron IAF (Tigersharks)
- Uttarlai Forward Base Support Unit: 5 FBSU
  - No. 4 Squadron IAF (Oorials)

Accidents and incidents

Since entering service in 2002, the Su-30MKI maintained a seven-year accident-free record until November 2024, by which time there have been thirteen crashes resulting in three fatalities.

On 30 April 2009, an Su-30MKI (SB-021) belonging to 30 Squadron crashed in Rajasthan after the pilots accidentally deactivated the flight control system; one pilot lost his life.
On 30 November 2009, an aircraft from 31 Squadron went down over Pokhran, Rajasthan due to an engine fire; both crew members ejected without injury.
On 13 December 2011, an Su-30MKI (SB-142) of 20 Squadron crashed near Pune, Maharashtra, attributed to maintenance errors at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited; the pilots survived the incident.
On 19 April 2012, an aircraft crashed during a "Repaired Routing Training Flight".
On 19 February 2013, a crash occurred in Pokhran when faulty ordnance detonated on underwing pylons; both pilots escaped safely.
On 14 October 2014, an Su-30MKI went down near Pune with both pilots successfully ejecting.
On 19 May 2015, an aircraft crashed in Tezpur, Assam; pilots ejected safely.
On 15 March 2017, during training in Barmer district, Rajasthan, an Su-30MKI crashed; the crew ejected safely but three civilians sustained injuries.
On 23 May 2017, two pilots perished when Su-30MKI (SB-063) from 2 Squadron lost radar and radio contact after takeoff from Tezpur AFS and crashed northwest of Tezpur.
On 27 June 2018, a crash near Nashik, Maharashtra involved an Su-30MKI; both pilots survived unharmed.
On 8 August 2019, an Su-30MKI crashed into a paddy field close to Tezpur, Assam; the pilots ejected safely.
On 28 January 2023, a mid-air collision between an Su-30MKI and a Mirage 2000H from the TACDE resulted in the death of the Mirage pilot; the Su-30MKI crew sustained minor injuries. Both aircraft had departed from Gwalior on a training mission.
On 4 June 2024, an Su-30MKI (SB-182) crashed on farmland in Shirasgaon village within Nashik district; Wing Commander Bokil and his co-pilot Biswas ejected safely. An investigation by the Indian Air Force is currently underway.
On 23 August 2024, an Su-30MKI accidentally released a Rampage missile over Pokhran, triggering an official inquiry into the event.

In Media

The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is prominently showcased in the Indian aerial action movie Fighter (2024 film), where the lead character operates this fighter jet.

Additional Resources