Su-30MKI Enhances Survivability with New Radar Absorbent Material
India’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur has pioneered a polyurethane-based radar absorbent material (RAM) paint, enhancing the Su-30MKI’s survivability by reducing its radar cross-section (RCS). This initiative is part of the broader Super Sukhoi upgrade program, which focuses on applying RAM coatings to high-reflectivity areas, significantly lowering detection ranges against advanced radar systems. While not making the aircraft fully stealthy, these improvements will bolster its first-look, first-kill advantage in contested airspace. The modular application of RAM, combined with indigenous technological advancements, aligns with India’s strategic efforts to maintain and modernize its air defense capabilities amid evolving regional threats, ensuring that the Su-30MKI continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force’s fighter fleet.