Upgraded Su-30MKI with Virupaksha Radar and Astra MkIII Backed by AWACS: A Game-Changer Against China's J-35A

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has embarked on a significant modernization program for its frontline Su-30MKI fleet, integrating advanced indigenous and foreign technologies to counter emerging aerial threats. Among the key upgrades are the Virupaksha Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Astra MkIII beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), and enhanced networking capabilities through airborne warning and control system (AWACS) support. These enhancements, according to IAF officials, could give the upgraded Su-30MKI a decisive edge over China's new-generation J-35A stealth fighter.

Understanding the Upgrades: The Virupaksha AESA Radar

The heart of the Su-30MKI's modernization is the integration of the Virupaksha AESA radar, developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This radar marks a generational leap over the older Russian-origin N011M Bars radar, offering:

• Greater Detection Range: Estimated to exceed 300 km for large aircraft and over 200 km for smaller targets like fighter jets.

• High-Resolution Tracking: Capable of simultaneously tracking multiple targets in air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, enhancing situational awareness.

• Electronic Warfare (EW) Capability: Equipped with advanced jamming resistance and passive detection features to counter stealth aircraft.

• Multi-Mode Operations: Supports synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging, moving target tracking, and terrain mapping, allowing strike missions to be more precise.

This AESA radar significantly enhances the Su-30MKI’s ability to detect and engage enemy aircraft before they can close in for a dogfight, countering the advantages of stealth designs like the J-35A.

Astra MkIII BVRAAM: India's Long-Range Punch

The Astra MkIII is the next-generation air-to-air missile under development, designed to extend engagement ranges and enhance the lethality of IAF’s Su-30MKIs. It features:

• Ramjet Propulsion: Ensures a sustained high-speed trajectory, unlike traditional rocket-powered missiles.

• Range of Over 300 km: This allows Indian pilots to engage adversaries beyond the effective range of China’s PL-15 missile, which is estimated to have a range of 200-250 km.

• Advanced Guidance System: Equipped with dual-mode seekers and high anti-jamming resistance, ensuring effectiveness even in contested environments.

• No-Escape Zone: Expanded due to its superior energy retention at terminal engagement phases, increasing kill probability.

When paired with the Virupaksha AESA radar, the Astra MkIII provides an enormous advantage, allowing Su-30MKIs to engage J-35A aircraft before they are detected, negating their stealth advantage.

AWACS Network: Force Multiplier in Air Combat

India’s airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms, such as the DRDO-developed Netra and upcoming AEW&C Block-2, play a crucial role in countering stealth threats. These aircraft provide:

• Early Detection of Low-Observable Aircraft: Operating at high altitudes, they can spot stealth fighters using low-frequency radar bands and data fusion techniques.

• Beyond-Line-of-Sight Targeting: AWACS can provide targeting information to Su-30MKIs, allowing them to fire Astra MkIII missiles without switching on their own radar, reducing their electromagnetic signature.

• Network-Centric Warfare Capabilities: Enhancing coordinated responses, real-time data sharing, and increasing the survivability of combat aircraft.

With AWACS support, the Su-30MKI gains the ability to engage adversaries while remaining hidden, a critical tactic against stealth aircraft like the J-35A.

Comparing the Upgraded Su-30MKI and the J-35A

The J-35A benefits from stealth characteristics, making it difficult to detect using conventional radars. However, the upgraded Su-30MKI, with its high-power AESA radar and AWACS support, can detect and engage it beyond visual range. Moreover, the Astra MkIII missile, with a superior engagement range compared to China’s PL-15, gives the Su-30MKI an advantage in a long-range missile duel.

Tactical Advantages in a Combat Scenario

1. Long-Range Detection and Engagement: The Su-30MKI can leverage AWACS data to detect the J-35A early and launch Astra MkIII before the Chinese fighter gets within its own missile range.

2. Electronic Warfare Superiority: With onboard EW capabilities and jamming-resistant radars, the Su-30MKI can disrupt the J-35A’s fire-control radar, reducing the effectiveness of its PL-15 missiles.

3. Supermaneuverability in Close Combat: If combat shifts to within-visual-range (WVR), the Su-30MKI's thrust vectoring and superior agility give it an edge over the J-35A.

4. Saturation Strikes with AWACS Coordination: Multiple Su-30MKIs can engage J-35As simultaneously using networked targeting, overwhelming China’s fighter in a contested airspace.

An Effective Counter to the J-35A

The Su-30MKI’s modernization with the Virupaksha AESA radar, Astra MkIII missile, and AWACS support significantly enhances its ability to counter stealth threats. While the J-35A’s low-observability and modern avionics make it a formidable adversary, the combination of long-range detection, superior missile technology, and network-centric operations gives the IAF a crucial advantage.

As India continues to refine its air combat doctrine and invest in indigenous technologies, the upgraded Su-30MKI will remain a potent force capable of challenging even next-generation adversaries like the J-35A. This development ensures that the IAF maintains air superiority in contested environments, safeguarding India's airspace against emerging threats.