India plans to modernize its fleet of Su-30MKI fighter jets and has asked Russia for relevant proposals, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa, the Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, said in an interview with the Russian military daily Krasnaya Zvezda after his working visit to Russia.

IAF Su-30MKI (Picture source: 1st Lt. George Tobias)

"We have asked the Russian side for modernization proposals in accordance with the current needs," he said.

Dhanoa added that the Indian side was satisfied with a program of renovation of MiG-21, MiG-27 and MiG-29 fighter jets, which had been modernized to carry more modern weapon systems and avionics. The upgraded aircraft have participated in drills. The Indian Air Force is pleased with their performance.

"That is why we are considering a possibility to upgrade Su30s which we have been operating for almost 20 years. Naturally, their avionics and weapon systems also need modernization," the Indian marshal explained.

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