The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced a significant upgrade program for nearly 200 Su-30MKI fighters, transitioning them into a 4.7-generation platform with advanced features such as the Virupaksha GaN AESA radar and an AI-enhanced cockpit. This initiative, named Super Sukhoi, aims to extend the operational life of these aircraft beyond 2050, enhancing their capabilities against advanced adversaries like China’s J-20. The upgrades include cutting-edge avionics, improved electronic warfare systems, and integration with indigenous technologies, emphasizing a commitment to self-reliance through 70-80% indigenization. This modernization effort underscores the IAF’s strategy to maintain air superiority in rapidly evolving geopolitical scenarios, ensuring the Su-30MKI remains a formidable asset in India’s defense arsenal.