Russia and India are holding talks on comprehensive modernization of the Su-30MKI fighter jets, Konstantin Biryulin, head of the Russian delegation, said at the 51st International Paris Air and Space Show. Russia is also pitching to supply Su-35 aircraft to Indonesia, but will not manufacture engines for fighters in China.

The modernization package would include on-board communications and data transfer systems, as well as radar equipment of the Su-30MKI fighter jets. Source: AP

Russia and India are discussing comprehensive modernization of the Su-30MKI fighters, Konstantin Biryulin, head of the Russian delegation, said at the 51^st International Paris Air and Space Show.

Responding to a question from TASS about modernization of the Indian Su-30 MKI fleet of fighters, Biryulin, the Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation, said, “together with our Indian partners, we are now holding talks on the comprehensive modernization of the Su-30MKI aircraft, which were delivered about 20 years ago”. 

“The modernization package would include on-board communications and data transfer systems, as well as radar equipment of the Su-30MKI fighter jets. All of these systems will be modernized,” he said.

According to Biryulin, Russia and India are preparing contracts for joint programmes involving development work on a fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) and a military transport multi-purpose aircraft (MTA). 

“The preliminary technical design stages for these aircraft have already been completed,” said Mr. Biryulin. “At present, negotiations are under way to conclude final contracts on research and development work for the creation of these aircraft,” the Russian delegation head said.

“During preliminary negotiations, the parties agreed that the most appropriate fighter jet for the country is the Su-35. These aircraft are currently being flown by the Russian Air Force, and have racked up a good track record. In addition, the Indonesian Air Force already has experience in operating Sukhoi aircraft,” Biryulin noted.

Sukhoi Su-35

Multirole fighter

The Sukhoi Su-35 is a designation for two separate, heavily upgraded derivatives of the Su-27 'Flanker'. Wikipedia

Top speed: 2,500 km/h

Range: 3,600 km

Weight: 18,400 kg

Unit cost: 40,000,000–65,000,000 USD (2013)

Manufacturer: Sukhoi

Engine type: Saturn AL-31

Designer: Mikhail Simonov