The Indian Air Force’s “Super Sukhoi” upgrade program for the Su-30MKI fleet, cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council, targets 84 jets initially with a ₹65,000 crore budget, awaiting final Cabinet Committee on Security approval as of December 2025. Key enhancements feature the indigenous Virupaksha GaN-based AESA radar with nearly 2,400 T/R modules for over 250 km detection range, including stealth targets like China’s J-20, alongside next-generation electronic warfare suites, advanced countermeasures, digital cockpits, IR sensors, and AL-41F-1S engines offering 18% more thrust. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, with DRDO support, plans first delivery by 2028, extending service life to 2055 and boosting indigenous content to 78%, integrating weapons like Astra Mk1/Mk2 and BrahMos-A for 4.5+ generation capabilities rivaling the F-15EX amid regional threats. This modernization reduces Russian dependency, enhancing operational readiness and self-reliance.