Three-phase upgradation by 2004

It will be only by 2004 that the Su-30 MKI will achieve full potential of a complete air dominance fighter armed with 10 tonnes of weapons and capability to strike four targets simultaneously. ‘‘We are increasing the capabilities of Su-30 MKIs, in a phased manner,’’ Alexey I. Fedorov, president of Irkutsk aviation designers of the Su-30 MKI said in Pune today. The aircraft is also being upgraded in three phases.

The first stage is complete and 10 aircraft have been delivered to the IAF. ‘‘These aircraft are armed with air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles and bombs. In the second phase, advanced avionics and software will be added. The radars will be able to simultaneously track 12 targets,’’ he added. The IAF is also contemplating changing ‘rules of engagement’ especially with the aircraft capable of delivering missiles ‘beyond visual range’ (BVR) even beyond 70 km distance. Twelve aircraft will be delivered by end June 2003 under the second phase.

By 2004, the third phase will include latest air-to-surface (ground and ship) missiles making it unmatched world over, Fedorov said.