A multi role air superiority fighter, SU-30 MKI, is a two seater and a twin jet aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi and being produced in India by HAL(Hindustan Aeronotics Limited) for the Indian Air Force.
MKI stands for "Modernizirovannyi, Kommercheskiy, Indiski" meaning "MODERN COMMERCIAL, INDIAN".
Costing around 360 crore rupees per unit, IAF currently operates over 200 MKI'S, and has ordered around 70 more. The aircraft has been made according to the Indian specifications and also include Indian systems and avionics as well as French and Israeli sub-systems.
This versatile fighter has 12 hard-points for bombs and missiles. The IAF is carrying out structural modifications on Sukhois to carry air launched version of BRAHMOS. Su-30 is world class and will be unbeatable in a dog-fight scenario, if operated by experinced pilots.
India currently has deployed Su-30's on 8 IAF bases spread across the country, namely Bareilly, Gwalior, Bhatinda, Tezpur, Jodhpur, Halwara, Pune and Chabua. Unluckily, the aircraft has also seen 5 accidents in last 6 years.
With the induction of large number of class leading Su-30's, the IAF has not only made a huge transition from its ageing Mig-21 dominated fleet, its war fighting doctrine has also changed , focusing on long range and strategic missions. Su-30's are going to be the nations foremost line of defense and response in case of any threat in the air.
""JAI HIND""
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