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INDIA

Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30K and Su-30MKI), HAL Su-30MKI

Data update:
February 2021
Country / user:
Bharatiya Gararajya = Republic of India
Bharatiya Vayu Sena = Indian Air Force (IAF)

In service:
Su-30K: 1997-2006
Su-30MKI: since 2003
Manufacturer:
Irkutsk Aircraft Production Association (IAPO)
Since 2004 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Deliveries
1) Contract 11.1996 for 40 x Su-30MKI; 12.1998 extended to 50 x Su-30MKI
Su-30K:
- 1st batch 03-06.1997: 8 x Su-30MKI-I (=Su-30K) [SB001...SB008]
- 2st batch 1999: 10 x Su-30MKI-II (=Su-30K upgraded with french SAGEM avionics) [SB009...SB018]
=========================
TOTAL: 18 Su-30MKI-I and MKI-II (=Su-30K).
Su-30MKI:
3rd batch 2002: 10 x Su-30MKI-III (=Su-30MKI) [SB019...SB028]
4th batch 2003: 12 x Su-30MKI-III (=Su-30MKI) [SB029...SB040]
5th batch 2004: 10 x Su-30MKI-III (=Su-30MKI) [SB041...SB050]
6th batch 2005: 16 x Su-30MKI-III (=Su-30MKI) [SB051...SB066]
48 aircrafts + 2 to prepare first Indian licensed Su-30MKI in 2004
Total: 50
2) Contract 12.2000 for 140 x Su-30MKI on licence production; realised in HAL since 2004.
3) Contract 2007 for 40 x Su-30MKI on licence production; realised in HAL.
4) Contract 12.2011 for 42 x Su-30MKI on licence production integrated with Brahmos missile, Irbis radar; realised in HAL.
=========================
TOTAL: 272 Su-30MKI, incl. 50 from Russia and 222 licensed production in HAL, excluding 18 Su-30K.

29th January 2021: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has manufactured the last two Su-30MKIs. Of the 272 aircrafts 40 are being modified to carry the air-launched version of the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos.

July 2020: India wants to buy 12 Su-30 to replace loses. Aircrafts will be produced in HAL.
Units (12 squadrons):
Lohegaon air base (near Pune):
- 20th Squadron "Lightnings" (3rd, 4th batch)
- 30th Squadron "Rhinos" (5th batch)
Bareilly air base (Uttar Pradesh):
- 24th Squadron "Hawks" (1st, 2nd batch)
- 8th Squadron "Pursoots" (HAL, since 2009)
Tezpur air base (Assam) since 10.2007
- 2nd Sqadron "Winged Arrows"
Guwahati/Chabua air base since 06.2009
- 102nd Squadron "Trisonics"
Bhuj air base (Gurajat)
- 15th Squadron "Flying Lancers"
Sirsa air base (Haryana)
- 21st Squadron "Ankush"
Halwara air base (Penjab) since 2017
- 31st Squadron "Lions"
- 221st Squadron "Desert Tigers"
Chabua air base
- 106th Squadron "Lynx"
Thanjavur air base (Tamil Nadu, southern India) since January 2020
- 222 Squadron "Tigersharks"
Bort numbers:
Su-30MKI-I: SB001 ... SB008
Su-30MKI-II: SB009 ... SB018
Su-30MKI-III: SB019 ... SB050
HAL Su-30MKI: SB101 ... SB 193 (since 2004)
HAL Su-30MKI: SB301 ... SB 332 (since 2010)
HAL Su-30MKI: SB401 ... SB 436 (since 2013)
Remarks:

Negotiations with India to supply aircrafts started in 1994. When India signed contract in November 1996, Su-30MKI doesn't even exist. First prototype of the Su-30MKI (T10PMK-1; sometimes called Su-30I-1; bort number 01) was built 1996/1997 (converted from 8th serial Russian Su-27PU/Su-30 bort number 56), the first flight performed by test pilot V. Avyeryanov on 07.1997. Second prototype (bort number 06) built in 12.1997 (T10PMK-6; converted from T10PU-6 - 2nd prototype of Su-27PU/Su-30, originally it was T10U-6 - 6th prototype of Su-27UB from 1988), first flight 03.1998. But first 18 Indian Su-30K were based on prototype Su-30MK bort number 603. Modernization to really multirole Su-30MKI standard was scheduled for next few years, with gradual enhancement of avionics, engines and weapons. Prototypes were demonstrated to Indian officials in Moskov in 04 (no. 01) and 06.1998 (no. 06), and 08.1998 presented during parade in Tushino. All prototypes and serial Su-30K are manufactured by IAPO (Irkutsk Aircraft Production Association).

Sukhoi Su-30MK (ex. Su-27PU no. 596), 1994. In fact, prototype of first and second batch of Indian Su-30. Camouflages and markings of all Indian drawings are correct.

First prototype of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, 1997.

First prototype of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, 1998, repainted before Aero-India in Bangalore. In 06.1999 was destroyed during Le Bourget Air Show by V. Avyeryanov in spectacular crash during show. Avyeryanov and Vladimir Shendrik succesfuly ejected just three seconds before aircraft hit the ground.

Second prototype of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, 1998.

Second prototype of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, 2001, repainted.
After crash of the first prototype in Le Bourget Air Show in 1999, this aircraft take a main part in state flight test.
First (8) and second (10) batch, known in India as Su-30MKI-I and Su-30MKI-II, it's a simply interceptor fighter (in Russia called Su-30K - K for Commercial) with limited possibilities to attack ground targets. Delivered in 1997 and 1999 by An-124 planes. In 2006 Indian government accepted Russian proposition to exchange airplanes to new Su-30MKI, instead modernise them. About 2007 Su-30K were taken out of service. In late 2011 all were returned to Russia, then shifted to Belarusian factory at Baranovichi, where they waiting their fate for years. Finally overhauled (upgraded?) 12 of them were selled to Angola in 2017. Six aircraft still left in Baranovichi (January 2018), waiting for new customer.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30K from 1st batch), 1997.

In January 1998 Sukhois were presented to public during Republic Day. At last four Sukhois obtained special paintings, with colors of national flag. Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30K from 1st batch), 1998 National Day.
Production of real Su-30MKI started in Irkutsk in 2000. The first three preproduction planes were handed over to the Sukhoi Design Bureau and have been used to flying tests.

1st preproduction (served as 3rd prototype) of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, built in 2000, serial number 19-07, first flight November 26th, 2000.
First fully equipped (avionics from RPKB from Ramyenskoye). In 02.2001 presented during Aero-India 2001 @ Bangalore to commander of IAF - Marshal Tipnis, as Su-30MK.

2nd preproduction (served as 4th prototype) of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, built in 2001, serial number 20-06, first flight February 15th, 2001.

3rd preproduction (served as 5th prototype) of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, built VIII.2001, serial number 20-07, first flight April 18th, 2001.
Ten Su-30MKI (third batch) with canards and thrust vectoring engines Saturn AL-31FP were delivered 06-09.2002, officially handed to IAF in 09.2002. Next deliveries took place in 2003 and 2004. In 2004 Su-30K and Su-30MKI had been put into service with two squadrons of IAF. For the first time in the world, a production aircraft has an engine with thrust vector control (AL-31FP, developed by the RDC named after A. Lyulka).

Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30MKI from 3rd batch), 2002.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30MKI from 3rd batch), 2002.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30MKI from 4th batch), 2004
International exercise Cope India 2004 with american F-15 and singapore F-16.
2003 IAF buy from Uzbekistan TAPO (Tashkent Aircraft Production Corporation named after V.P. Chkalov, TAPOiCh) two IL-76 to air-refueling Su-30MKIs and Jaguars. Aircrafts were equipped with French avionics and Israeli refueling pods and converted to IL-78MKI tankers (s.n. RK-3451 and RK-3452). Also two additional new IL-76MD were introduced into service of the IAF (K2665, K2901; 44th Squadron Mighty Jets at Agra AB).
2004-2019: license production in HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore) of 222 Su-30MKI (incl. airframes, engines AL-31FP and radar Bars). Firsts two Su-30MKI from HAL were produced 06-11.2004 from Russian parts, as next 26 aicrafts. First purely Indian HAL Su-30MKI was produced in 2010. HAL include Aircraft Division at Ozhar near Nasik (Su-30MKI) and Engine Division at Koraput (AL-31FP).

Sukhoi/HAL Su-30MKI (licensed Su-30MKI), 2003.
02.2007 Sukhois with special painting "75 Years" of Indian Air Force.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI. February 2007.
2007/2008 - first Indian AWACS (known as A-50EI, later as aircraft EI, s.n. KW3551) was built on base of the A-50. In spring 2008 equipped with Israeli radar Phalcon.
08.2008 eight IAF's Sukhois (107, 108, 110, 115) and two IL-78MKIs (incl. RK-3453) participated in Red Flag exercise in USA at Nellis AFB, Nevada (with Nort American and South Korean air forces). Some Su-30MKI with Litening pod under right fuselage.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI. July 2008.
February 2009: SB-050 get special painting for Aero India 2009 at Yelahanka air base in Bangalore.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI SB050. Aero India 2009.
June 2010: France (Mirage-2000), India (Su-30MKI, Il-78MKI) and Singapore (F-16) air forces in exercices Garuda-IV at Istres air base (Marseille, France). Su-30MKI: SB058, SB060, SB303, SB304, SB305 and SB309 from Bareilly.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI from 8th Squadron, Bareilly. June 2010.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI from 8th Squadron, Bareilly. June 2010.
2015 first Su-30MKI (SB200) integrated with BrahMos cruising missile. November 2017 BrahMos was succesfully launched from Su-30MKI. 40 Su-30MKI will be integrated with BrahMos.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI SB200, 2017. During the tests missile was checkered black and white.
2015 first overhauled Su-30MKI in India (Nasik). 2016 first engine AL-31FP overhauled in India (Koraput). Until begining of 2017 more than 190 Su-30MKI were produced in India, from 222 planned..

Loses:
April 2009: Su-30MKI crashed in Rajasthan. It was the first accident of Su-30. Co-pilot was killed, hited by the falling debris of the aircraft.
November 2009: second Su-30MKI crashed during exercise, near Jaisalmer in the northwestern state of Rajasthan. Pilots ejected safely.
November (December?) 2011: third Su-30MKI crashed near Pune during first flight after routine servicing in HAL. Pilots ejected safely.
February 2013: Su-30MKI crashed in Jaisalmer. Pilots ejected safely.
October 2014: Su-30MKI SB050 crashed at a village near Pune. Pilots ejected safely.
May 2015: Su-30MKI SB137 crashed at Laokhowa in Nagaon district of Assam, due to technical malfunction. Pilots ejected safely.
March 2017: Su-30MKI crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer district. Three villagers were injured, pilots ejected safely.
May 2017: Su-30MKI. Pilots lost their lives.
June 2018: Su-30MKI crashed near Nashik, during test flight before delivery to IAF.
August 2019: Su-30MKI, technical malfunction.

	INDIA Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30K and Su-30MKI), HAL Su-30MKI
Data update:	February 2021
Country / user:	Bharatiya Gararajya = Republic of India Bharatiya Vayu Sena = Indian Air Force (IAF)
In service:	Su-30K: 1997-2006 Su-30MKI: since 2003
Manufacturer:	Irkutsk Aircraft Production Association (IAPO) Since 2004 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Deliveries	1) Contract 11.1996 for 40 x Su-30MKI; 12.1998 extended to 50 x Su-30MKI Su-30K: - 1st batch 03-06.1997: 8 x Su-30MKI-I (=Su-30K) [SB001...SB008] - 2st batch 1999: 10 x Su-30MKI-II (=Su-30K upgraded with french SAGEM avionics) [SB009...SB018] ========================= TOTAL: 18 Su-30MKI-I and MKI-II (=Su-30K). Su-30MKI: 3rd batch 2002: 10 x Su-30MKI-III (=Su-30MKI) [SB019...SB028] 4th batch 2003: 12 x Su-30MKI-III (=Su-30MKI) [SB029...SB040] 5th batch 2004: 10 x Su-30MKI-III (=Su-30MKI) [SB041...SB050] 6th batch 2005: 16 x Su-30MKI-III (=Su-30MKI) [SB051...SB066] 48 aircrafts + 2 to prepare first Indian licensed Su-30MKI in 2004 Total: 50 2) Contract 12.2000 for 140 x Su-30MKI on licence production; realised in HAL since 2004. 3) Contract 2007 for 40 x Su-30MKI on licence production; realised in HAL. 4) Contract 12.2011 for 42 x Su-30MKI on licence production integrated with Brahmos missile, Irbis radar; realised in HAL. ========================= TOTAL: 272 Su-30MKI, incl. 50 from Russia and 222 licensed production in HAL, excluding 18 Su-30K. 29th January 2021: The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has manufactured the last two Su-30MKIs. Of the 272 aircrafts 40 are being modified to carry the air-launched version of the supersonic cruise missile BrahMos. July 2020: India wants to buy 12 Su-30 to replace loses. Aircrafts will be produced in HAL.
Units (12 squadrons):	Lohegaon air base (near Pune): - 20th Squadron "Lightnings" (3rd, 4th batch) - 30th Squadron "Rhinos" (5th batch) Bareilly air base (Uttar Pradesh): - 24th Squadron "Hawks" (1st, 2nd batch) - 8th Squadron "Pursoots" (HAL, since 2009) Tezpur air base (Assam) since 10.2007 - 2nd Sqadron "Winged Arrows" Guwahati/Chabua air base since 06.2009 - 102nd Squadron "Trisonics" Bhuj air base (Gurajat) - 15th Squadron "Flying Lancers" Sirsa air base (Haryana) - 21st Squadron "Ankush" Halwara air base (Penjab) since 2017 - 31st Squadron "Lions" - 221st Squadron "Desert Tigers" Chabua air base - 106th Squadron "Lynx" Thanjavur air base (Tamil Nadu, southern India) since January 2020 - 222 Squadron "Tigersharks"
Bort numbers:	Su-30MKI-I: SB001 ... SB008 Su-30MKI-II: SB009 ... SB018 Su-30MKI-III: SB019 ... SB050 HAL Su-30MKI: SB101 ... SB 193 (since 2004) HAL Su-30MKI: SB301 ... SB 332 (since 2010) HAL Su-30MKI: SB401 ... SB 436 (since 2013)
Remarks:	Negotiations with India to supply aircrafts started in 1994. When India signed contract in November 1996, Su-30MKI doesn't even exist. First prototype of the Su-30MKI (T10PMK-1; sometimes called Su-30I-1; bort number 01) was built 1996/1997 (converted from 8th serial Russian Su-27PU/Su-30 bort number 56), the first flight performed by test pilot V. Avyeryanov on 07.1997. Second prototype (bort number 06) built in 12.1997 (T10PMK-6; converted from T10PU-6 - 2nd prototype of Su-27PU/Su-30, originally it was T10U-6 - 6th prototype of Su-27UB from 1988), first flight 03.1998. But first 18 Indian Su-30K were based on prototype Su-30MK bort number 603. Modernization to really multirole Su-30MKI standard was scheduled for next few years, with gradual enhancement of avionics, engines and weapons. Prototypes were demonstrated to Indian officials in Moskov in 04 (no. 01) and 06.1998 (no. 06), and 08.1998 presented during parade in Tushino. All prototypes and serial Su-30K are manufactured by IAPO (Irkutsk Aircraft Production Association). Sukhoi Su-30MK (ex. Su-27PU no. 596), 1994. In fact, prototype of first and second batch of Indian Su-30. Camouflages and markings of all Indian drawings are correct. First prototype of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, 1997. First prototype of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, 1998, repainted before Aero-India in Bangalore. In 06.1999 was destroyed during Le Bourget Air Show by V. Avyeryanov in spectacular crash during show. Avyeryanov and Vladimir Shendrik succesfuly ejected just three seconds before aircraft hit the ground. Second prototype of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, 1998. Second prototype of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, 2001, repainted. After crash of the first prototype in Le Bourget Air Show in 1999, this aircraft take a main part in state flight test. First (8) and second (10) batch, known in India as Su-30MKI-I and Su-30MKI-II, it's a simply interceptor fighter (in Russia called Su-30K - K for Commercial) with limited possibilities to attack ground targets. Delivered in 1997 and 1999 by An-124 planes. In 2006 Indian government accepted Russian proposition to exchange airplanes to new Su-30MKI, instead modernise them. About 2007 Su-30K were taken out of service. In late 2011 all were returned to Russia, then shifted to Belarusian factory at Baranovichi, where they waiting their fate for years. Finally overhauled (upgraded?) 12 of them were selled to Angola in 2017. Six aircraft still left in Baranovichi (January 2018), waiting for new customer. Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30K from 1st batch), 1997. In January 1998 Sukhois were presented to public during Republic Day. At last four Sukhois obtained special paintings, with colors of national flag. Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30K from 1st batch), 1998 National Day. Production of real Su-30MKI started in Irkutsk in 2000. The first three preproduction planes were handed over to the Sukhoi Design Bureau and have been used to flying tests. 1st preproduction (served as 3rd prototype) of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, built in 2000, serial number 19-07, first flight November 26th, 2000. First fully equipped (avionics from RPKB from Ramyenskoye). In 02.2001 presented during Aero-India 2001 @ Bangalore to commander of IAF - Marshal Tipnis, as Su-30MK. 2nd preproduction (served as 4th prototype) of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, built in 2001, serial number 20-06, first flight February 15th, 2001. 3rd preproduction (served as 5th prototype) of Sukhoi Su-30MKI, built VIII.2001, serial number 20-07, first flight April 18th, 2001. Ten Su-30MKI (third batch) with canards and thrust vectoring engines Saturn AL-31FP were delivered 06-09.2002, officially handed to IAF in 09.2002. Next deliveries took place in 2003 and 2004. In 2004 Su-30K and Su-30MKI had been put into service with two squadrons of IAF. For the first time in the world, a production aircraft has an engine with thrust vector control (AL-31FP, developed by the RDC named after A. Lyulka). Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30MKI from 3rd batch), 2002. Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30MKI from 3rd batch), 2002. Sukhoi Su-30MKI (Su-30MKI from 4th batch), 2004 International exercise Cope India 2004 with american F-15 and singapore F-16. 2003 IAF buy from Uzbekistan TAPO (Tashkent Aircraft Production Corporation named after V.P. Chkalov, TAPOiCh) two IL-76 to air-refueling Su-30MKIs and Jaguars. Aircrafts were equipped with French avionics and Israeli refueling pods and converted to IL-78MKI tankers (s.n. RK-3451 and RK-3452). Also two additional new IL-76MD were introduced into service of the IAF (K2665, K2901; 44th Squadron Mighty Jets at Agra AB). 2004-2019: license production in HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore) of 222 Su-30MKI (incl. airframes, engines AL-31FP and radar Bars). Firsts two Su-30MKI from HAL were produced 06-11.2004 from Russian parts, as next 26 aicrafts. First purely Indian HAL Su-30MKI was produced in 2010. HAL include Aircraft Division at Ozhar near Nasik (Su-30MKI) and Engine Division at Koraput (AL-31FP). Sukhoi/HAL Su-30MKI (licensed Su-30MKI), 2003. 02.2007 Sukhois with special painting "75 Years" of Indian Air Force. Sukhoi Su-30MKI. February 2007. 2007/2008 - first Indian AWACS (known as A-50EI, later as aircraft EI, s.n. KW3551) was built on base of the A-50. In spring 2008 equipped with Israeli radar Phalcon. 08.2008 eight IAF's Sukhois (107, 108, 110, 115) and two IL-78MKIs (incl. RK-3453) participated in Red Flag exercise in USA at Nellis AFB, Nevada (with Nort American and South Korean air forces). Some Su-30MKI with Litening pod under right fuselage. Sukhoi Su-30MKI. July 2008. February 2009: SB-050 get special painting for Aero India 2009 at Yelahanka air base in Bangalore. Sukhoi Su-30MKI SB050. Aero India 2009. June 2010: France (Mirage-2000), India (Su-30MKI, Il-78MKI) and Singapore (F-16) air forces in exercices Garuda-IV at Istres air base (Marseille, France). Su-30MKI: SB058, SB060, SB303, SB304, SB305 and SB309 from Bareilly. Sukhoi Su-30MKI from 8th Squadron, Bareilly. June 2010. Sukhoi Su-30MKI from 8th Squadron, Bareilly. June 2010. 2015 first Su-30MKI (SB200) integrated with BrahMos cruising missile. November 2017 BrahMos was succesfully launched from Su-30MKI. 40 Su-30MKI will be integrated with BrahMos. Sukhoi Su-30MKI SB200, 2017. During the tests missile was checkered black and white. 2015 first overhauled Su-30MKI in India (Nasik). 2016 first engine AL-31FP overhauled in India (Koraput). Until begining of 2017 more than 190 Su-30MKI were produced in India, from 222 planned.. Loses: April 2009: Su-30MKI crashed in Rajasthan. It was the first accident of Su-30. Co-pilot was killed, hited by the falling debris of the aircraft. November 2009: second Su-30MKI crashed during exercise, near Jaisalmer in the northwestern state of Rajasthan. Pilots ejected safely. November (December?) 2011: third Su-30MKI crashed near Pune during first flight after routine servicing in HAL. Pilots ejected safely. February 2013: Su-30MKI crashed in Jaisalmer. Pilots ejected safely. October 2014: Su-30MKI SB050 crashed at a village near Pune. Pilots ejected safely. May 2015: Su-30MKI SB137 crashed at Laokhowa in Nagaon district of Assam, due to technical malfunction. Pilots ejected safely. March 2017: Su-30MKI crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer district. Three villagers were injured, pilots ejected safely. May 2017: Su-30MKI. Pilots lost their lives. June 2018: Su-30MKI crashed near Nashik, during test flight before delivery to IAF. August 2019: Su-30MKI, technical malfunction.