Sukhoi Su-30MKI
What can it do?
Why did the Indians opt for it?
How could they employ it?
The threat SU-30 poses to Pakistan.
[AIR COMMODORE TARIQ MAHMUD ASHRAF]
Development History
The Su-30 MKI is essentially a customized version of the Su-27 PU (NATO codename: Flanker) that is being built according to Indian specifications. In the abbreviation MKI, the M stands for Modernized, the K for Commercial and the I for Indiski (India). This is probably the first ever time that the Russian aircraft industry has embarked upon manufacturing a combat aircraft specifically designed according to the specifications given by a foreign customer country. Notwithstanding the fact that the basic aircraft design including the airframe, the powerplant and some of the weapons will remain of Russian make, the incorporation of Western avionics equipment on the aircraft is actually an outcome of the realization by the Indian Air Force that Russian technology is lagging far behind that available to it from some of the western countries such as France. It is also possible that the Indians will capitalize on their improving relationship with Israel and involve some of the frontline Israeli aviation technology firms in provisioning of the avionics equipment for these aircraft. As such, in electronic equipment terms, the aircraft will at best be a hybrid between Russian and Western technology with the associated integration difficulties having to be catered for and overcome. Since integration is a time consuming and complicated process, it is understandable that the project might suffer from certain unavoidable time delays - something that is already becoming a source of worry and concern for the Indian Air Force.
The IAF compared the Su-30 MKI against the French Mirage 2000-5 and reportedly opted for the former primarily because of economic reasons since the Russian aircraft was appreciably cheaper and as such the number that could be acquired would be substantially larger. This option was resorted to by the IAF despite the fact that it already is operating the Mirage 2000 aircraft and inducting more of the same would have been significantly more economical in logistic, operational and maintenance terms.
As with most Indian defence deals, the Su-30 MKI deal also took a long time before being finalized. Following the initial evaluation of the Su-27 aircraft by the IAF in 1994 in Russia1, the contract for the initial batch of 40 aircraft was signed in 1996 with the aircraft scheduled to be delivered in progressively improved batches from 1997 to 2000. Subsequently, in 1998, the size of the Indian order was increased by another 10 aircraft.2
As the Indians had done with some of their previous aircraft acquisitions, such as the Anglo-Fresh Jaguar, the imperative of saving costs while ensuring that the substantial Indian aviation industry remained involved actively, the Indian Government decided to ask Russia for complete transfer of technology so that subsequent manufacture of the Su-30MKI could be undertaken indigenously in India. This proposal led to the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Russia and India for the acquisition of an additional number of 140
Su-30 MKI aircraft that were to be manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The immense size of the programme and the large quantum of aircraft involved meant that this project would be completed by the year 20173. Interestingly, the news report in November 2003 that reported the above news also stated that the Indians were continuing negotiations with the French for transfer of technology pertaining to the Mirage 2000 aircraft.4
The simultaneous Indian endeavour to negotiate for transfer of technology for both, the Su-30 MKI and the Mirage 2000-5 combat aircraft is significant and has probably come about because of the one or more of the following reasons:-
Having been confronted with a serious setback as regards the logistical support for their predominantly Soviet military aircraft inventory, the Indian Government in general and the IAF in particular had realized that they could not afford to put all their eggs in the same basket. This required increasing the diversity of sources from which they were acquiring military wherewithal. The IAF has traditionally been operating combat aircraft of Soviet origin since the early 1970s when it first inducted the MiG-21 Fishbed series of fighter aircraft. Subsequently, the IAF went on to become the largest operator of Soviet origin aircraft outside the USSR when it also acquired the MiG-23, the MiG-25, the MiG-27, the MiG-29 and finally the Su-30 MKI. In the immediate aftermath of the demise of the erstwhile USSR, the IAF faced a major problem in getting spare parts and logistical support for its Soviet origin aircraft since Russia did not possess all the manufacturing establishments for these aircraft and some were located in the newly independent Commonwealth of Independent States. This stoppage in the supply of essential parts created a major problem in maintainability for the IAF and is probably one of the major reasons for it to start thinking in terms of diversifying its sources of equipment procurement.
Although the Indian aviation industry is fairly well-established and is capable of assembling modern combat aircraft, its capability to design and manufacture a modern combat aircraft has become seriously questionable after the experience of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) which is still to materialize and according to some sources, is likely to be scrapped and never built in substantial numbers. Being focussed entirely on the LCA for decades, the Indian aviation industry was confronted with stagnation as regards its technological expertise and needed a major shot in the arm. The deals to transfer technology from the West and also from Russia could provide a kick-start to the Indian aviation industry.
India sees her emerging role as a regional/global power of consequence very seriously and wants to assert that her military potential is in accordance with her perceived power potential and clout. This could explain the decision to go in for such a large number of Su-30 MKI aircraft.
In line with her enhanced regional role and to substantiate her growing strategic alliance with the United States, India finds it imperative to evolve from a regionally limited and confined South Asian power to a Southern Asian one with a wider power spread and perspective. This is a fall-out of the implicit albeit unsaid requirement for the US to promote India as a counterweight to emerging China which is increasing her influence in Asia steadily and also has strong ties with Pakistan. Interestingly, the long range and radius of action of the Su-30 MKI is an absolute non-requirement when Pakistan is considered as the adversary since this aircraft is capable of virtually crossing the entire width of the territorial expanse of Pakistan and go even beyond. There is an obvious implied meaning in acquiring such a long-range capability when one considers that this aircraft would be capable of reaching targets well inside mainland China. The IAF does not need such a long reach aircraft against any regional threat but could possibly need it when operating in the extra-regional context.
India has gained tremendously in economic strength over the past decade and one of the first sectors in which increased national wealth becomes evident is defence. This could explain India's substantial increases in defence budget over the past few years even though that of neighbouring Pakistan has remained virtually stagnant or as some reports suggest, has actually reduced in view of the inflation.
When considered along with the yet unpublicized Indian quest for leasing a limited number of Tupolev
Tu-22 Blinder supersonic strategic bomber aircraft, one is led to the conclusion that the IAF has embarked on a plan to transform itself from a purely tactical air force to one that has significant strategic potential.
Deliveries of Su-30 to India
As stated earlier, most Russian weapon system deliveries to India in the recent past have all been delayed and the Su-30 aircraft were no exception to this rule. It was not until the middle of 2002, at the height of its military stand-off with Pakistan that the first Su-30 aircraft reached the IAF base at Lohegaon in Pune. In fact the issue gained prominence when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Indian Parliament Lok Sabha expressed concern at the delay in the delivery of Sukhoi (Su-30 MKI-2 and Su-30 MKI-3) aircraft and criticised the Defence Ministry for not furnishing the current status of the envisaged upgradation of these aircraft to the desired multi-role version.5 This led to the first two IAF Squadrons, No 24 (Hunting Hawks) and No 20 (Lightnings), being earmarked to receive and induct the new weapon system. Though subsequent deliveries have continued in small batches, none of the aircraft received by the IAF meet the complete specifications of the Su-MKI as stipulated by the IAF and some modifications still have to be incorporated on these aircraft.
The report of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee cited above went on to say that “As per the revised delivery schedule effected in February 2001, 10 fully upgraded multi-role aircraft [Su-30 MKI-3] were expected to be made available between July and December 2003 and 22 partially upgraded aircraft, including ten aircraft in Phase I and twelve in Phase II were to be delivered at the latest by June 2002 and June 2003 respectively. As against this, only 10 Su-30 MKI-1 aircraft were received and inducted into the Indian Air Force in September 2002.†According to the report, these delays have already caused an increase of
Rs 546 crores in the project cost which was earlier valued at
Rs 6310 crores, due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.6
Su-30/Su-30MK will be powered by 2 x Al-31F turbofan engines with each rates at 27,500 lbs of thrust at maximum after-burner setting, the Su-30 MKI aircraft will have the Al-31FP engines which have a maximum power rating of 29,500 lbs. Additionally, these engines will be equipped with thrust vectoring nozzles (TVNs) which will aid immensely in enhancing the manoeuvring potential of the aircraft. These nozzles will be capable of deflecting 32 degrees in the horizontal plane and 15 degrees in the vertical plane.
The engines reportedly have an MTBO of around 1000 hours, while the TVNs will have an MTBO of around 250 hours.
Apart from being refuelled in flight by a tanker aircraft, the
Su 30 MKIs also can use the
Mk 32.B buddy-buddy refuelling pods for providing fuel to each other during flight.
Cockpit. Both the aircrew are provided with a modern zero-zero ejection seat with the rear occupant's seat being slightly raised for improved visibility. Like the US F-16 aircraft, the seats of the
Su-30 MKI are also inclined rearwards at an angle of 30 degrees from the vertical.
The six liquid crystal displays (LCDs) installed in the cockpit have been provided by Sextant Avionique of France. The same company is responsible for providing the six Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), the Totem INS system with GPS technology and the VEH-3000 holographic Heads-Up Display (HUD).
The pilot will also have the Gzarkhov 45A HMS (Helmet Mounted Sight) unit, which can guide the R 73s and the R60 MK air-to-air missiles.
Airframe. The Su 30 MKI is a twin-finned aircraft. The airframe is constructed of titanium and high-strength aluminium alloys. The engine nacelles are fitted with trouser fairings to provide a continuous streamlined profile between the nacelles and the tail beams. The central beam section between the engine nacelles contains the equipment compartment, fuel tank and the brake parachute container. The fuselage head is of semi-monocoque construction and includes the cockpit, radar compartments and the avionics bay.
Su 30 MKIs also have a high percentage of composites used in the air-frame. Stability and control are assured by a digital Fly-by-Wire (FBW) system and the prominent canard notably assists in controlling the aircraft at large angles of attack (AoA) and bringing it to a level flight condition.
Su-30 MKI Avionics Suite
The N011-M Bars Radar for the Su 30 MKI is a phased array system with a powerful processor and multiple targets track capability using NCTR7 methods.
Radar System. The avionics package of the Su-30 MKI is based around the N1011M phased array radar which is the main sensor of the aircraft. Capable of operating in the 'I' and 'D' bands, this multi-mode radar is capable of detecting fighter-sized targets at ranges as far as 150-160 kms with the capability of tracking 20 targets simultaneously and engaging eight out of these. In the air-to-ground functioning mode, the radar can provide modes like ground-mapping, terrain-following and terrain-avoidance. In the air-to-surface function, the radar is capable of acquiring large-sized ground targets at ranges upto 400 kms and smaller targets of the size of a typical tank at ranges between 40 and 50 kms.
Radar Modes. The radar has the following modes of functioning in the air-to-air and the air-to-ground / air-to-sea roles:
• Air-to-Air Role Air-to-Ground Role Air-to-Sea Role
• Velocity search Real Beam Mapping Sea surface search
• Range while search Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS) mapping Moving sea targets selection
• Track while scan Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Mapping Tracking and measuring of sea target coordinates
• Target Identification (ID) Moving ground target selection Sea target ID
• Close Combat Tracking and measurement of ground
• target co-ordinates
Radar Specifications
• Operating Band X and L bands (NATO 'I' and 'D' bands)
• Antenna diameter 1 metre
• Antenna Gain 36dB
• Main side lobe level -25 dB
• Average side lobe level -48 dB
• Beam Width 2.4 degrees (12 different beam shapes)
• Antenna weight 100-110 kgs
• Scan mechanism Mechanical and electronic
The radar reportedly uses an Indian developed Radar Controller that was an outcome of the Project Vetrivale which also developed the mission computer and the display processors for the aircraft. Another distinctive feature of the radar is that the aircraft equipped with it can act as a sort of a command post for other interceptor aircraft. In this function, the target co-ordinates and other associated data can be automatically transferred to four other interceptor aircraft using a secure data link. When employed in a dense aerial environment along with other interceptors, this mode can be of significant help.
Electro-Optic (EO) Surveillance and Targeting System. The Su-30 MKI is planned to be fitted with an EO surveillance and targeting system made up of three component sub-systems: an infra-red (IR) direction finder, a laser range finder and a helmet-mounted sighting system. Designated the OLS-30M, this Russian developed system reportedly has a range of 90 kms when pursuing a target and 40 kms when approaching it head-on.
Communications Equipment. The communications equipment comprises VHF and HF radio sets, a secured digital telecommunications system, and antenna-feeder assembly. It mounts an automatic noise-proof target data exchange system, which provides for coordination of the actions of several fighter aircraft engaged in a group air combat. It is reportedly being developed as part of the INCOM project by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Self-Defence Suite. The self-defence suite incorporates a newly developed accurate Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), called the Tarang Mk. II. The Su 30 MKI incorporates a number of chaff/flare dispensers and active jammers. The Tarang system is a modified version of the similar system that was earlier installed on the MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF. It has also been developed under project Vetrivale.
Probable Employment of Su-30 MKI by IAF8
As the preceding text of this article has highlighted, the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a formidable aerial combat platform, its flexibility being evident from the large variety of weapons that it can carry and its impressive performance characteristics. A look at its design and performance attributes also indicates that the aircraft can be employed effectively across a wide spectrum of air operations stretching from the tactical end of the spectrum to the strategic end.
The envisaged employment of the Su-30 MKI by the IAF that I have worked out takes into consideration various factors including the expected opposition from the PAF, the remaining assets that the IAF possesses and the very nature of the war that India and Pakistan are engaged in.
Employment Considerations. In my opinion the following considerations should govern the IAF's employment of the Su-30 MKI against Pakistan:
Being a prime symbol of its inventory, the Su-30 MKI will be employed by the IAF in a careful, albeit not necessarily a cautious manner.
Roles and functions that can effectively be undertaken by other aircraft available in the IAF inventory will not be assigned to the Su-30 MKI. I do not envisage the Su-30 MKI being employed in conventional offensive strikes since these could be undertaken suitably by other IAF aircraft. In the offensive realm, it could still however be employed for strikes against Pakistani targets located in such depth that places them beyond the effective radii of action of the other offensive aircraft of the IAF.
Being a very potent platform, the Su-30 MKI's employment will be governed by the criticality of the situation. It would be employed for maximum effect and in critical scenarios.
The Su-30 MKI will be employed where its distinctive performance characteristics including reach can have a decisive influence on the outcome of the battle/war. In my opinion, other than strikes aimed at creating a strategic effect, this aircraft would be best employed in the campaign for the achievement of air superiority over the PAF in conjunction with the Phalcon AEW aircraft.
The Su-30 MKI's employment will aim to achieve strategic rather than tactical effects and it will essentially be employed for strategic purposes - functions and roles that are beyond the capability of the other aircraft in the IAF inventory. This aircraft enables the IAF to plan for achieving strategic effects even without resorting to nuclear weapons since its phenomenal reach bestows upon it the capability to undertake operations designed for strategic effect even with just conventional weapons.
Although the Su-30 MKI is an effective ground attack platform, I do not foresee its employment in the Offensive Air Support (OAS) role unless it is absolutely critical and unavoidable. Other than very limited usage against the Pakistan Navy if and when the situation arises, I foresee that the focus of the Su-30 MKI would essentially revolve around the Pakistan Air Force assets being its prime target. It is a very effective air-to-air platform and the IAF will primarily employ it as a means of decisively winning the air war against the PAF. It is by pursuing this employment strategy that the IAF can accrue the maximum benefits out of its Su-30 MKI fleet.
Conclusion
When I embarked on writing this article and all the while that I was involved in completing it, I kept the three basic questions that I set out in the beginning of this article, in mind; What is the Su-30 MKI capable of doing? What are the factors that contributed to the IAF acquiring this aircraft? How is the IAF likely to employ this weapon system in any future war against Pakistan?
The theme of this article must be taken in the correct spirit in which it was written. I am a firm believer in the saying that 'forewarned is forearmed' and as such the purpose of this article is not to paint a gloomy or scary picture but rather to acquaint my readers with the facts that I could lay my hands on from a variety of open sources including printed material as well as the internet.
If after reading this article, some minds are agitated and start thinking on counters to the IAF's Su-30 MKI fleet, I feel that the purpose of writing this article would have been more than fulfilled from my perspective. In order to effectively counter any threat, one must first know as much as possible about it so that an effective and workable counter-strategy can then be devised and subsequently implemented, with a high degree of success.
End Notes
1. The initial evaluation of the Su 27 was undertaken by a team led by the then Chief of the Air Staff of the IAF, Air Chief Marshal S. K. Kaul.
2. These ten aircraft became available after Indonesia cancelled its order for the same in the wake of the South East Asian economic crisis.
3. http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200211/28/eng20021128_107640.shtml.
4. Ibid.
5. http://www.hindu.com/2003/12/23/stories/2003122308761100.htm
6. Ibid.
7. The abbreviation NCTR probably refers to the fact that the radar operates on the Non-Cooperative Target methodology.
8. These thoughts on the possible manner in which the IAF could be expected to employ the Su-30 MKI in any future India-Pakistan military conflict are purely the author's own thinking and do not represent the thinking of the PAF or any other Government of Pakistan agency. Moreover, no one from any official department has been consulted while writing this article.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Air Commodore Tariq Mahmud Ashraf was commissioned in the flying branch of the PAF in 1975. During his eventful career spanning over three decades, the officer has flown almost all the fighter aircraft in the PAF inventory. He has had the distinction of commanding an elite F-16 Squadron, a Tactical Flying Wing and an operational Base. He is a distinguished graduate of the RAF Advanced Staff Course, the PAF's Combat Commanders Course and the Pakistan National Defence Course. His key staff appointments include three tenures in the Operations Branch at Air Headquarters including a stint as the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations). Widely travelled, the officer was also the Pakistan Defence Attaché to Indonesia, Australia, Singapore and South Korea from 1995 to 1998. He is currently serving on the faculty of the prestigious Pakistan National Defence College. For his meritorious services, the officer has been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), the Sitara-i-Basalat and the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) by the Government of Pakistan.
Admin: Links, and can you please make it more readable by creating para breaks!
What can it do?
Why did the Indians opt for it?
How could they employ it?
The threat SU-30 poses to Pakistan.
[AIR COMMODORE TARIQ MAHMUD ASHRAF]
Development History
The Su-30 MKI is essentially a customized version of the Su-27 PU (NATO codename: Flanker) that is being built according to Indian specifications. In the abbreviation MKI, the M stands for Modernized, the K for Commercial and the I for Indiski (India). This is probably the first ever time that the Russian aircraft industry has embarked upon manufacturing a combat aircraft specifically designed according to the specifications given by a foreign customer country. Notwithstanding the fact that the basic aircraft design including the airframe, the powerplant and some of the weapons will remain of Russian make, the incorporation of Western avionics equipment on the aircraft is actually an outcome of the realization by the Indian Air Force that Russian technology is lagging far behind that available to it from some of the western countries such as France. It is also possible that the Indians will capitalize on their improving relationship with Israel and involve some of the frontline Israeli aviation technology firms in provisioning of the avionics equipment for these aircraft. As such, in electronic equipment terms, the aircraft will at best be a hybrid between Russian and Western technology with the associated integration difficulties having to be catered for and overcome. Since integration is a time consuming and complicated process, it is understandable that the project might suffer from certain unavoidable time delays - something that is already becoming a source of worry and concern for the Indian Air Force.
The IAF compared the Su-30 MKI against the French Mirage 2000-5 and reportedly opted for the former primarily because of economic reasons since the Russian aircraft was appreciably cheaper and as such the number that could be acquired would be substantially larger. This option was resorted to by the IAF despite the fact that it already is operating the Mirage 2000 aircraft and inducting more of the same would have been significantly more economical in logistic, operational and maintenance terms.
As with most Indian defence deals, the Su-30 MKI deal also took a long time before being finalized. Following the initial evaluation of the Su-27 aircraft by the IAF in 1994 in Russia1, the contract for the initial batch of 40 aircraft was signed in 1996 with the aircraft scheduled to be delivered in progressively improved batches from 1997 to 2000. Subsequently, in 1998, the size of the Indian order was increased by another 10 aircraft.2
As the Indians had done with some of their previous aircraft acquisitions, such as the Anglo-Fresh Jaguar, the imperative of saving costs while ensuring that the substantial Indian aviation industry remained involved actively, the Indian Government decided to ask Russia for complete transfer of technology so that subsequent manufacture of the Su-30MKI could be undertaken indigenously in India. This proposal led to the signing of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Russia and India for the acquisition of an additional number of 140
Su-30 MKI aircraft that were to be manufactured in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The immense size of the programme and the large quantum of aircraft involved meant that this project would be completed by the year 20173. Interestingly, the news report in November 2003 that reported the above news also stated that the Indians were continuing negotiations with the French for transfer of technology pertaining to the Mirage 2000 aircraft.4
The simultaneous Indian endeavour to negotiate for transfer of technology for both, the Su-30 MKI and the Mirage 2000-5 combat aircraft is significant and has probably come about because of the one or more of the following reasons:-
Having been confronted with a serious setback as regards the logistical support for their predominantly Soviet military aircraft inventory, the Indian Government in general and the IAF in particular had realized that they could not afford to put all their eggs in the same basket. This required increasing the diversity of sources from which they were acquiring military wherewithal. The IAF has traditionally been operating combat aircraft of Soviet origin since the early 1970s when it first inducted the MiG-21 Fishbed series of fighter aircraft. Subsequently, the IAF went on to become the largest operator of Soviet origin aircraft outside the USSR when it also acquired the MiG-23, the MiG-25, the MiG-27, the MiG-29 and finally the Su-30 MKI. In the immediate aftermath of the demise of the erstwhile USSR, the IAF faced a major problem in getting spare parts and logistical support for its Soviet origin aircraft since Russia did not possess all the manufacturing establishments for these aircraft and some were located in the newly independent Commonwealth of Independent States. This stoppage in the supply of essential parts created a major problem in maintainability for the IAF and is probably one of the major reasons for it to start thinking in terms of diversifying its sources of equipment procurement.
Although the Indian aviation industry is fairly well-established and is capable of assembling modern combat aircraft, its capability to design and manufacture a modern combat aircraft has become seriously questionable after the experience of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) which is still to materialize and according to some sources, is likely to be scrapped and never built in substantial numbers. Being focussed entirely on the LCA for decades, the Indian aviation industry was confronted with stagnation as regards its technological expertise and needed a major shot in the arm. The deals to transfer technology from the West and also from Russia could provide a kick-start to the Indian aviation industry.
India sees her emerging role as a regional/global power of consequence very seriously and wants to assert that her military potential is in accordance with her perceived power potential and clout. This could explain the decision to go in for such a large number of Su-30 MKI aircraft.
In line with her enhanced regional role and to substantiate her growing strategic alliance with the United States, India finds it imperative to evolve from a regionally limited and confined South Asian power to a Southern Asian one with a wider power spread and perspective. This is a fall-out of the implicit albeit unsaid requirement for the US to promote India as a counterweight to emerging China which is increasing her influence in Asia steadily and also has strong ties with Pakistan. Interestingly, the long range and radius of action of the Su-30 MKI is an absolute non-requirement when Pakistan is considered as the adversary since this aircraft is capable of virtually crossing the entire width of the territorial expanse of Pakistan and go even beyond. There is an obvious implied meaning in acquiring such a long-range capability when one considers that this aircraft would be capable of reaching targets well inside mainland China. The IAF does not need such a long reach aircraft against any regional threat but could possibly need it when operating in the extra-regional context.
India has gained tremendously in economic strength over the past decade and one of the first sectors in which increased national wealth becomes evident is defence. This could explain India's substantial increases in defence budget over the past few years even though that of neighbouring Pakistan has remained virtually stagnant or as some reports suggest, has actually reduced in view of the inflation.
When considered along with the yet unpublicized Indian quest for leasing a limited number of Tupolev
Tu-22 Blinder supersonic strategic bomber aircraft, one is led to the conclusion that the IAF has embarked on a plan to transform itself from a purely tactical air force to one that has significant strategic potential.
Deliveries of Su-30 to India
As stated earlier, most Russian weapon system deliveries to India in the recent past have all been delayed and the Su-30 aircraft were no exception to this rule. It was not until the middle of 2002, at the height of its military stand-off with Pakistan that the first Su-30 aircraft reached the IAF base at Lohegaon in Pune. In fact the issue gained prominence when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Indian Parliament Lok Sabha expressed concern at the delay in the delivery of Sukhoi (Su-30 MKI-2 and Su-30 MKI-3) aircraft and criticised the Defence Ministry for not furnishing the current status of the envisaged upgradation of these aircraft to the desired multi-role version.5 This led to the first two IAF Squadrons, No 24 (Hunting Hawks) and No 20 (Lightnings), being earmarked to receive and induct the new weapon system. Though subsequent deliveries have continued in small batches, none of the aircraft received by the IAF meet the complete specifications of the Su-MKI as stipulated by the IAF and some modifications still have to be incorporated on these aircraft.
The report of the Parliamentary Accounts Committee cited above went on to say that “As per the revised delivery schedule effected in February 2001, 10 fully upgraded multi-role aircraft [Su-30 MKI-3] were expected to be made available between July and December 2003 and 22 partially upgraded aircraft, including ten aircraft in Phase I and twelve in Phase II were to be delivered at the latest by June 2002 and June 2003 respectively. As against this, only 10 Su-30 MKI-1 aircraft were received and inducted into the Indian Air Force in September 2002.†According to the report, these delays have already caused an increase of
Rs 546 crores in the project cost which was earlier valued at
Rs 6310 crores, due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.6
Su-30/Su-30MK will be powered by 2 x Al-31F turbofan engines with each rates at 27,500 lbs of thrust at maximum after-burner setting, the Su-30 MKI aircraft will have the Al-31FP engines which have a maximum power rating of 29,500 lbs. Additionally, these engines will be equipped with thrust vectoring nozzles (TVNs) which will aid immensely in enhancing the manoeuvring potential of the aircraft. These nozzles will be capable of deflecting 32 degrees in the horizontal plane and 15 degrees in the vertical plane.
The engines reportedly have an MTBO of around 1000 hours, while the TVNs will have an MTBO of around 250 hours.
Apart from being refuelled in flight by a tanker aircraft, the
Su 30 MKIs also can use the
Mk 32.B buddy-buddy refuelling pods for providing fuel to each other during flight.
Cockpit. Both the aircrew are provided with a modern zero-zero ejection seat with the rear occupant's seat being slightly raised for improved visibility. Like the US F-16 aircraft, the seats of the
Su-30 MKI are also inclined rearwards at an angle of 30 degrees from the vertical.
The six liquid crystal displays (LCDs) installed in the cockpit have been provided by Sextant Avionique of France. The same company is responsible for providing the six Multi-Function Displays (MFDs), the Totem INS system with GPS technology and the VEH-3000 holographic Heads-Up Display (HUD).
The pilot will also have the Gzarkhov 45A HMS (Helmet Mounted Sight) unit, which can guide the R 73s and the R60 MK air-to-air missiles.
Airframe. The Su 30 MKI is a twin-finned aircraft. The airframe is constructed of titanium and high-strength aluminium alloys. The engine nacelles are fitted with trouser fairings to provide a continuous streamlined profile between the nacelles and the tail beams. The central beam section between the engine nacelles contains the equipment compartment, fuel tank and the brake parachute container. The fuselage head is of semi-monocoque construction and includes the cockpit, radar compartments and the avionics bay.
Su 30 MKIs also have a high percentage of composites used in the air-frame. Stability and control are assured by a digital Fly-by-Wire (FBW) system and the prominent canard notably assists in controlling the aircraft at large angles of attack (AoA) and bringing it to a level flight condition.
Su-30 MKI Avionics Suite
The N011-M Bars Radar for the Su 30 MKI is a phased array system with a powerful processor and multiple targets track capability using NCTR7 methods.
Radar System. The avionics package of the Su-30 MKI is based around the N1011M phased array radar which is the main sensor of the aircraft. Capable of operating in the 'I' and 'D' bands, this multi-mode radar is capable of detecting fighter-sized targets at ranges as far as 150-160 kms with the capability of tracking 20 targets simultaneously and engaging eight out of these. In the air-to-ground functioning mode, the radar can provide modes like ground-mapping, terrain-following and terrain-avoidance. In the air-to-surface function, the radar is capable of acquiring large-sized ground targets at ranges upto 400 kms and smaller targets of the size of a typical tank at ranges between 40 and 50 kms.
Radar Modes. The radar has the following modes of functioning in the air-to-air and the air-to-ground / air-to-sea roles:
• Air-to-Air Role Air-to-Ground Role Air-to-Sea Role
• Velocity search Real Beam Mapping Sea surface search
• Range while search Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS) mapping Moving sea targets selection
• Track while scan Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Mapping Tracking and measuring of sea target coordinates
• Target Identification (ID) Moving ground target selection Sea target ID
• Close Combat Tracking and measurement of ground
• target co-ordinates
Radar Specifications
• Operating Band X and L bands (NATO 'I' and 'D' bands)
• Antenna diameter 1 metre
• Antenna Gain 36dB
• Main side lobe level -25 dB
• Average side lobe level -48 dB
• Beam Width 2.4 degrees (12 different beam shapes)
• Antenna weight 100-110 kgs
• Scan mechanism Mechanical and electronic
The radar reportedly uses an Indian developed Radar Controller that was an outcome of the Project Vetrivale which also developed the mission computer and the display processors for the aircraft. Another distinctive feature of the radar is that the aircraft equipped with it can act as a sort of a command post for other interceptor aircraft. In this function, the target co-ordinates and other associated data can be automatically transferred to four other interceptor aircraft using a secure data link. When employed in a dense aerial environment along with other interceptors, this mode can be of significant help.
Electro-Optic (EO) Surveillance and Targeting System. The Su-30 MKI is planned to be fitted with an EO surveillance and targeting system made up of three component sub-systems: an infra-red (IR) direction finder, a laser range finder and a helmet-mounted sighting system. Designated the OLS-30M, this Russian developed system reportedly has a range of 90 kms when pursuing a target and 40 kms when approaching it head-on.
Communications Equipment. The communications equipment comprises VHF and HF radio sets, a secured digital telecommunications system, and antenna-feeder assembly. It mounts an automatic noise-proof target data exchange system, which provides for coordination of the actions of several fighter aircraft engaged in a group air combat. It is reportedly being developed as part of the INCOM project by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Self-Defence Suite. The self-defence suite incorporates a newly developed accurate Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), called the Tarang Mk. II. The Su 30 MKI incorporates a number of chaff/flare dispensers and active jammers. The Tarang system is a modified version of the similar system that was earlier installed on the MiG-21 aircraft of the IAF. It has also been developed under project Vetrivale.
Probable Employment of Su-30 MKI by IAF8
As the preceding text of this article has highlighted, the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a formidable aerial combat platform, its flexibility being evident from the large variety of weapons that it can carry and its impressive performance characteristics. A look at its design and performance attributes also indicates that the aircraft can be employed effectively across a wide spectrum of air operations stretching from the tactical end of the spectrum to the strategic end.
The envisaged employment of the Su-30 MKI by the IAF that I have worked out takes into consideration various factors including the expected opposition from the PAF, the remaining assets that the IAF possesses and the very nature of the war that India and Pakistan are engaged in.
Employment Considerations. In my opinion the following considerations should govern the IAF's employment of the Su-30 MKI against Pakistan:
Being a prime symbol of its inventory, the Su-30 MKI will be employed by the IAF in a careful, albeit not necessarily a cautious manner.
Roles and functions that can effectively be undertaken by other aircraft available in the IAF inventory will not be assigned to the Su-30 MKI. I do not envisage the Su-30 MKI being employed in conventional offensive strikes since these could be undertaken suitably by other IAF aircraft. In the offensive realm, it could still however be employed for strikes against Pakistani targets located in such depth that places them beyond the effective radii of action of the other offensive aircraft of the IAF.
Being a very potent platform, the Su-30 MKI's employment will be governed by the criticality of the situation. It would be employed for maximum effect and in critical scenarios.
The Su-30 MKI will be employed where its distinctive performance characteristics including reach can have a decisive influence on the outcome of the battle/war. In my opinion, other than strikes aimed at creating a strategic effect, this aircraft would be best employed in the campaign for the achievement of air superiority over the PAF in conjunction with the Phalcon AEW aircraft.
The Su-30 MKI's employment will aim to achieve strategic rather than tactical effects and it will essentially be employed for strategic purposes - functions and roles that are beyond the capability of the other aircraft in the IAF inventory. This aircraft enables the IAF to plan for achieving strategic effects even without resorting to nuclear weapons since its phenomenal reach bestows upon it the capability to undertake operations designed for strategic effect even with just conventional weapons.
Although the Su-30 MKI is an effective ground attack platform, I do not foresee its employment in the Offensive Air Support (OAS) role unless it is absolutely critical and unavoidable. Other than very limited usage against the Pakistan Navy if and when the situation arises, I foresee that the focus of the Su-30 MKI would essentially revolve around the Pakistan Air Force assets being its prime target. It is a very effective air-to-air platform and the IAF will primarily employ it as a means of decisively winning the air war against the PAF. It is by pursuing this employment strategy that the IAF can accrue the maximum benefits out of its Su-30 MKI fleet.
Conclusion
When I embarked on writing this article and all the while that I was involved in completing it, I kept the three basic questions that I set out in the beginning of this article, in mind; What is the Su-30 MKI capable of doing? What are the factors that contributed to the IAF acquiring this aircraft? How is the IAF likely to employ this weapon system in any future war against Pakistan?
The theme of this article must be taken in the correct spirit in which it was written. I am a firm believer in the saying that 'forewarned is forearmed' and as such the purpose of this article is not to paint a gloomy or scary picture but rather to acquaint my readers with the facts that I could lay my hands on from a variety of open sources including printed material as well as the internet.
If after reading this article, some minds are agitated and start thinking on counters to the IAF's Su-30 MKI fleet, I feel that the purpose of writing this article would have been more than fulfilled from my perspective. In order to effectively counter any threat, one must first know as much as possible about it so that an effective and workable counter-strategy can then be devised and subsequently implemented, with a high degree of success.
End Notes
1. The initial evaluation of the Su 27 was undertaken by a team led by the then Chief of the Air Staff of the IAF, Air Chief Marshal S. K. Kaul.
2. These ten aircraft became available after Indonesia cancelled its order for the same in the wake of the South East Asian economic crisis.
3. http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200211/28/eng20021128_107640.shtml.
4. Ibid.
5. http://www.hindu.com/2003/12/23/stories/2003122308761100.htm
6. Ibid.
7. The abbreviation NCTR probably refers to the fact that the radar operates on the Non-Cooperative Target methodology.
8. These thoughts on the possible manner in which the IAF could be expected to employ the Su-30 MKI in any future India-Pakistan military conflict are purely the author's own thinking and do not represent the thinking of the PAF or any other Government of Pakistan agency. Moreover, no one from any official department has been consulted while writing this article.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Air Commodore Tariq Mahmud Ashraf was commissioned in the flying branch of the PAF in 1975. During his eventful career spanning over three decades, the officer has flown almost all the fighter aircraft in the PAF inventory. He has had the distinction of commanding an elite F-16 Squadron, a Tactical Flying Wing and an operational Base. He is a distinguished graduate of the RAF Advanced Staff Course, the PAF's Combat Commanders Course and the Pakistan National Defence Course. His key staff appointments include three tenures in the Operations Branch at Air Headquarters including a stint as the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Operations). Widely travelled, the officer was also the Pakistan Defence Attaché to Indonesia, Australia, Singapore and South Korea from 1995 to 1998. He is currently serving on the faculty of the prestigious Pakistan National Defence College. For his meritorious services, the officer has been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz (Military), the Sitara-i-Basalat and the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (Military) by the Government of Pakistan.
Admin: Links, and can you please make it more readable by creating para breaks!