India is not retiring its Su-30MKI. It is being rebuilt for future combat. Russian and Indian crews have just flown the more advanced Su-30SM2 during Indra 2026 exercises in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region, training against small, low-flying targets and practising intercepts. India is now considering a deep modernisation of its massive Su-30 fleet under the Super Sukhoi initiative, with better engines, longer range, new missiles and sharper combat performance. The first batch could cover 84 aircraft, with more than 200 additional fighters to follow, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is expected to play a central role. Estimates put the new engine’s thrust at about 142 kilonewtons, against 123 for the existing AL-31FP. We compare the Su-30MKI and Su-30SM2 on engines, thrust, radar, and weapons, and explain why an engine swap is not plug-and-play. Is this a routine exercise or a preview of India’s biggest fighter overhaul in years? Shreya Chandra gives the full breakdown. Subscribe for more defence news.
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