[b][10] The Su-30MKI was designed by Russia's Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The SFC had previously submitted a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry for setting up two dedicated squadrons of fighters consisting of 40 aircraft capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

[37] In May 2022, the Indian government suspended the Su-30MKI order due to concerns over Moscow's ability to deliver parts to Hindustan Aeronautics and issues related to payment transfers.

[38] On 15 September 2023, the Indian government preliminarily approved ₹11,500 crore (US$1.3 billion) to procure 12 Su-30MKIs for the air force with more than 60% indigenous content to replace jets that have crashed.

[41][42] HAL will be restarting operations of its Nashik plant near the Airport for the new potential orders which was previously used for producing 272 units of the jet earlier.

[43] In 2004, India signed a deal with Russia to domestically produce the Novator K-100 missile, designed to shoot down airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) and C4ISTAR aircraft, for the Su-30MKI,[44] however the project did not proceed.

[citation needed] In May 2010, India Today reported that Russia had won a contract to upgrade 40 Su-30MKIs with new radars, onboard computers, electronic warfare systems and the ability to carry the BrahMos cruise missile.

[49] During MMRCA trials the Zhuk-AE AESA radar demonstrated significant capabilities, including ground-mapping modes and the ability to detect and track aerial targets.

[55] In 2012, upgrades of the earlier 80 Su-30MKIs involved equipping them with stand-off missiles with a range of 300 km; a request for information (ROI) was issued for such weapons.

[61] Although not initially designed to carry nuclear or strategic weapons, India has considered integrating an air-launched version of the nuclear-capable Nirbhay.

The upgrade is to be carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with the support of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and several private companies.

[63][64][65] The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the ₹60,000 crore (US$6.9 billion) upgrade programme on 30 November 2023.

[63] In May 2024, DRDO's CASDIC released an Expression of Interest (EoI) to collaborate with a Development-cum-Production Partner (DccP) to develop an indigenous Electronic Warfare suite.

[68] on 3 December 2024, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the procurement of Electronic Warfare Suite (EWS) compromising of External Airborne Self Protection Jammer pods, Next Generation Radar Warning Receiver and associated equipment.

[74][75] IIT Bombay has been engaged in the development of Artificial Intelligence-based engine and asset maintenance solutions for spares, inventory and combat potential optimisation.

This will be followed by Cabinet Committee on Security clearance (expected early 2025) and initiation of upgrade process taking 5 to 7 years for the fist batch of 84 jets.

The central beam section between the engine nacelles consists of the equipment compartment, fuel tank and the brake parachute container.

The integral aerodynamic configuration combined with thrust vectoring results in extremely capable manoeuvrability, taking off and landing characteristics.

The cockpit is provided with containers to store food and water reserves, a waste disposal system and extra oxygen bottles.

[86] OLS-30 laser-optical Infra-red search and track includes a day and night FLIR capability and is used in conjunction with the helmet mounted sighting system.

[citation needed] The aircraft is fitted with a satellite navigation system (A-737 GPS compatible), which permits it to make flights in all weather, day and night.

Elta EL/M-8222 a self-protection jammer developed by Israel Aircraft Industries is the MKI's standard EW pod, which the Israeli Air Force uses on its F-15s.

The pod contains an antenna on the forward and aft ends, which receive the hostile RF signal and after processing deliver the appropriate response.

In April 2022, Bharat Electronics and Hindustan Aeronautics signed a contract for co-development and co-production of long range dual band infra-red search and track system for Su-30MKI.

The pilot can activate a switch for performing difficult maneuvers; while this is enabled, the computer automatically determines the deflection angles of the swiveling nozzles and aerodynamic surfaces.

In October 2008, a video surfaced on the internet which featured a USAF colonel, Terrence Fornof, criticising Su-30MKI's performance against the F-15C, engine serviceability issues, and high friendly kill rate during the Red Flag exercise.

[109][110] On 21 July 2015, India and UK began the bilateral exercise named Indradhanush with aircraft operating from three Royal Air Force bases.

[112] According to Aviation International News, "In close combat, thrust vector control on the Flankers more than compensated for the greater thrust-to-weight ratio of the Typhoon".

[124][125] In 2024, IAF deployed 4 Su-30MKIs to multinational Exercise Pitch Black 2024 hosted by Royal Australian Air Force which will be held from July 12 to August 2.

[126][127][128] The same contingent participated in Exercise Udara Shakti with Sukhoi Su-30MKM of the Royal Malaysian Air Force which was conducted from 5 to 9 August at Kuantan, Malaysia.