The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a significant upgrade initiative for its fleet of Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, a frontline heavy combat aircraft manufactured in Russia. This enhancement aims to bolster India’s air combat capabilities and extend the operational efficiency of the jets for an additional two decades.

Key elements of the upgrade include the installation of Advanced Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, which offer improved detection and tracking capabilities, as well as longer-range weapons systems and an advanced electronic warfare suite (EWS). These enhancements are particularly focused on improving the jets’ abilities related to suppression and destruction of enemy air defense systems, thus allowing effective ground-target strikes in environments with robust enemy defenses.

The IAF currently operates a fleet of 259 Sukhoi-30 MKI aircraft, most of which were manufactured under a licensed production agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The total investment by the Indian government for acquiring these aircraft has exceeded USD 12 billion.

Recently, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, approved five major acquisition proposals amounting to over Rs 21,772 crore. Among these proposals, the provision for the EWS for the Sukhoi-30 MKI stands out, which includes sophisticated radar warning receivers and external airborne self-protection jammer pods, among other advanced technological components.

In July, it was reported that the project aimed at upgrading the SU-30 MKI jets had progressed significantly, with initiatives primarily driven by indigenous capabilities. The upgrade is projected to extend the jet’s operational life by 30 years and includes the implementation of AESA radars, cutting-edge avionics, advanced weaponry, and multi-sensor fusion systems. By that time, the Ministry of Defence was in the process of preparing a draft note for the Cabinet Committee on Security, seeking approval to initiate the upgrade of an initial batch of 84 jets at a projected cost of around Rs 63,000 crore.

These upgraded aircraft, termed ‘Super Sukhois,’ will be designed to compete with next-generation fighters. The enhancements will also facilitate the integration of manned-unmanned teaming and cooperation with advanced autonomous drones using artificial intelligence. The IAF plans to utilize these upgraded jets until 2055.

The indigenous ‘Virupaksha’ AESA radars are expected to significantly enhance detection capabilities, improving the aircraft’s ability to identify adversarial threats by approximately 1.5 to 1.7 times more effectively than the existing Russian radars. This improvement will allow the jets to employ longer-range armaments, such as the Astra-3 air-to-air missile, which is in development with an anticipated beyond-visual-range capability of around 350 kilometers.

HAL has been tasked with overseeing the upgrades, which are set to be rolled out over the next 15 years. The first phase of this project has received the green light from the Cabinet Committee on Security, with the development and flight-testing stages projected to take approximately seven years. Subsequently, upgrades will be executed in batches over the timeline.

In parallel, India is expected to develop its fifth-generation stealth fighter, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that will likely influence the next upgrade cycle for the Sukhoi fleet, following the initial batch of 84 jets.

The advancements in the SU-30 MKI program have already begun to manifest, as demonstrated in May when the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight trial of the RudraM-II missile designed for air-to-surface missions. The trial confirmed the efficacy of the missile’s propulsion, control, and guidance systems, showcasing a significant leap in domestic defense capabilities. The RudraM-II missile, a domestically developed solid-fuel air-to-surface weapon, is equipped to engage various enemy assets, reflecting the capabilities emerging from collaborations within India’s defense research community.

In a significant event for the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) for the 214th Course will take place on December 14 at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, near Hyderabad. The ceremony will be presided over by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, the Chief of Air Staff, who will take on the role of Reviewing Officer for the parade.

This year’s CGP marks the culmination of the pre-commissioning training for flight cadets from various branches of the IAF. A notable highlight of the event will be the commissioning of the first-ever batch of officers from the newly established Weapon Systems Branch, a significant milestone for the IAF aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities.

As part of the ceremony, the Reviewing Officer will bestow the prestigious ‘President’s Commission’ upon the graduating trainees. The event will not only honor flight cadets but will also recognize officers from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and an officer from a friendly foreign nation, acknowledging their successful completion of training programs.

The top-performing flight cadet from the Flying branch will be awarded the distinguished ‘President’s Plaque’ and the ‘Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour,’ an honor that includes leading the parade. Additionally, recognition will be given to the cadet who achieves the highest overall merit in the Ground Duty branch with the presentation of the ‘President’s Plaque.’

The ceremony will feature a series of impressive aerial displays, showcasing the prowess of the IAF. Participating elements will include the multi-role SU-30 MKI aircraft, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), and the Sarang helicopter display team. There will also be flypasts featuring a range of aircraft, including the Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak, making it a visually captivating event for attendees.

Preparations for the parade are underway, and the Air Force Academy is expected to be bustling with activity as the date approaches, ensuring a fitting tribute to the achievements of the graduating cadets and the future of the IAF.

On December 8, the Indian Army commemorated the third death anniversary of the first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and longest-serving General, Bipin Rawat. The tribute took place during a solemn program organized by the GBR Memorial Foundation of India in Delhi. Lt General NS Raja Subramani, the Vice Chief of the Army Staff, and Vice Admiral Atul Anand, Additional Secretary in the Department of Military Affairs, attended the event as special guests.

The occasion saw the presence of notable figures including RKS Bhadauria, the President of the GBR Foundation of India and former Air Force Chief, along with family members of General Rawat, including his daughter Tarini Rawat. Lt General Subramani delivered heartfelt remarks, acknowledging the significant impact of General Rawat’s leadership on the Indian Armed Forces.

In his speech, Lt General Subramani referred to General Rawat as a “valiant patriot, a competent military strategist, and a leader par excellence.” He reflected on the three years since Rawat’s untimely passing, calling the day’s gathering a tribute to his remarkable legacy. “General Rawat was a scholar-soldier and a military reformer with an exceptional ability to envision the future,” he stated, emphasizing the late CDS’s unwavering dedication to duty and outstanding strategic foresight. Subramani also described Rawat’s life as an inspiring example of leadership through challenges and triumphs.

Vice Admiral Atul Anand echoed similar sentiments, recalling his experiences working alongside General Rawat. He praised Rawat’s determined approach and his ability to implement effective change within the armed forces. Anand noted that Rawat had a clear vision regarding military strategy, especially concerning the country’s western borders. He mentioned that Rawat believed in the necessity of strong punitive actions along the Line of Control to address regional threats.

General Bipin Rawat tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash in December 2021. His distinguished career spanned over four decades, during which he earned numerous accolades, including the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM), Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM), and the Padma Vibhushan, awarded posthumously. Rawat’s operational experience encompassed various roles; he successfully led counter-terrorism operations in Sopore, commanded a multinational brigade under the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and oversaw critical operations along the Line of Control in North Kashmir.

His strategic acumen was particularly evident when he, as Vice Chief of the Army Staff, played a key role in planning and executing surgical strikes against Pakistan-based terrorist entities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The legacy of General Bipin Rawat continues to resonate within the Indian military community, with events like these serving as a reminder of his significant contributions and enduring influence on national security and defense strategies.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, serving as the Chief of the Air Staff, is set to preside over a significant event on December 14: the Combined Passing Out Parade (CGP) at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, located on the outskirts of Hyderabad. This parade commemorates the conclusion of pre-commissioning training for the flight cadets of Number 214 Course, which spans various branches within the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The ceremony is particularly important as it will see the Reviewing Officer, Air Chief Marshal Singh, bestow the President’s Commission upon the graduating trainees, marking their official transition into commissioned ranks. The parade is also expected to feature the conferral of ‘Wings’ and ‘Brevets’ awards to flight cadets and officers who have successfully completed their respective training programs, including those from the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and one officer from a friendly foreign nation.

One of the key highlights of this year’s CGP will be the commissioning of the inaugural batch of officers into the newly established Weapon Systems Branch of the IAF, underlining the progressive direction in which the organization is evolving. The event will place special emphasis on excellence in training, with the top-performing cadet from the Flying branch receiving the prestigious President’s Plaque and the Chief of the Air Staff Sword of Honour. This distinguished cadet will also have the honor of leading the parade.

Moreover, the ceremony will recognize the cadet who achieves the highest overall merit in the Ground Duty branch, with the same accolade of a President’s Plaque being awarded.

In addition to the formal proceedings, the CGP will feature an array of aerial performances. The event will showcase impressive displays by the SU-30 MKI, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), and the Sarang helicopter display team. A spectacular flypast, which will include aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II, Hawk, Kiran, and Chetak, is also expected to enhance the event’s celebratory atmosphere.

As such, the Combined Passing Out Parade is not only a pivotal moment for the graduating cadets but also a demonstration of the Indian Air Force’s commitment to excellence and modernization within its ranks.