Malaysia’s Su-30MKM Fighter Jets to Be Upgraded with Indian-Made Systems and Components??
According to Indian defense media, under this agreement, RMAF’s Su-30MKM fighters will be maintained and upgraded with systems and components produced by Indian defense companies.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Malaysia and India have reportedly agreed to collaborate, focusing primarily on the maintenance and upgrade of the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Su-30MKM fighter jets.
According to Indian defense media, under this agreement, RMAF’s Su-30MKM fighters will be maintained and upgraded with systems and components produced by Indian defense companies.
It was also reported that RMAF is closely monitoring the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) efforts to upgrade its own fleet of Su-30MKI fighters.
The Indian defense media stated that India has already supplied spare parts for Su-30 fighters, including aircraft tires, for RMAF’s Su-30MKM jets.
It added that closer defense cooperation between the two nations would further strengthen efforts to maintain regional peace.
Recently, Indian defense media also reported that RMAF has expressed strong interest in acquiring India’s “BrahMos” missiles for its Su-30MKM fighters.
The report, which did not cite sources, mentioned that the version of the BrahMos missile attracting RMAF’s interest is the Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM) variant.
Earlier reports indicated that India is set to begin upgrading and modernizing its Su-30MKI fighters with several new technologies developed by its domestic defense industry.
This effort is part of India’s ongoing initiative to enhance the capabilities of its main fighter jets, which it refers to as the “Super Sukhoi” variant.
The Su-30MKI upgrade program will be carried out by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and is expected to cost USD 7.5 billion (RM33.7 billion), with all work done domestically.
India operates the largest fleet of Su-30 fighters outside of Russia, with most of the 272 Su-30MKI jets currently in service built under license by HAL.
The initiative to upgrade the IAF’s main fighters is expected to begin in 2026, aiming to ensure that the Su-30MKI is equipped with technology and capabilities aligned with the evolving landscape of modern warfare.
According to local media reports, between 80 and 100 Su-30MKI fighters will be upgraded in the first phase of the program, eventually covering the entire fleet operated by the IAF.
Sources told Indian media that the upgrades will include Beyond Visual Range (BVR) capabilities, new electronic warfare systems, and AESA radar.
The AESA radar to be used in the upgraded Su-30MKI is the locally developed “Uttam” AESA radar, currently being developed for the Tejas Mk1A aircraft.
This radar is being developed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is expected to have larger Transmit and Receive (TR) modules for greater target detection range and accuracy.
In addition to the AESA radar, the Su-30MKI upgrade program will see the aircraft equipped with a more powerful flight control system, allowing it to carry hypersonic missiles and other advanced weaponry.
The upgraded Su-30MKI will also feature a new mission computer, larger touchscreen cockpit displays, and a new weapons package.
The program aims to upgrade approximately 25 Su-30MKIs annually, with the entire fleet expected to be modernized by 2034. — DSA
