Su-30MKI (Flanker-H)

The Su-30MKI (Flanker-H) is a two-seat, long-range multi-role fighter in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF). Sukhoi created the Su-30MKI, which is manufactured in India under license by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Russia's first Su-30MKI variant entered service with the IAF in 2002, while India's first aircraft entered service with the IAF in 2004. The Su-30MKI has global avionics and subsystems supplied by 14 companies from six nations.

The development of the version began in 2000 when India secured a contract with Russia to construct 140 Su-30 fighter planes. The Indian Air Force adopted the first Russian-made Su-30MKI version in 2002, and the first Su-30MKI manufactured in India entered service with the IAF in 2004. As of January 2020, the IAF had roughly 260 Su-30MKIs in its inventory. The Su-30MKI is intended to represent the backbone of India's fighter fleet into 2020 and beyond.

The aircraft is designed specifically for Indian requirements and incorporates Indian systems and avionics as well as French and Israeli subsystems. Its capabilities are comparable to those of the Sukhoi Su-35, with which it shares many features and components.

Role: Multirole fighter, air superiority fighter
National origin: Russia / India
Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Design group: Sukhoi
First flight: Su-30МК: 1 July 1997; 25 years agoSu-30MKI: 2000; 22 years ago
Introduction: 27 September 2002
Status: In-service
Primary user: Indian Air Force
Produced: Su-30MKI: 2000–present
Number built: 272 as of March 2020
Developed from: Sukhoi Su-30