New Delhi: In a substantial enhancement to the Indian Air Force's operational capabilities, India's Defence Ministry is evaluating a proposal to modify its Su-30 MKI fighter jets to integrate the Russian-origin RVV BD air-to-air missile, which can neutralise aerial targets up to 300 kilometres away at high speed.

The initiative is being considered by the Defence Ministry just days ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin's arrival for the BRICS summit, where several major bilateral defence agreements are expected to be discussed.

The proposal to adapt the Su-30 MKI fleet for the RVV BD missile system is slated for approval at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) scheduled for today, defence sources told ANI.

Russian manufacturers produce multiple variants of the RVV BD missile, which are engineered to strike high-value airborne assets such as Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft and reconnaissance platforms at hypersonic speeds approaching Mach 6.

The Defence Ministry, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has been working to enhance the air-to-air missile arsenal of the Indian Air Force through a combination of domestic development and foreign procurements.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has accelerated development of current and future iterations of the indigenous Astra air-to-air missile system, aiming for operational strike ranges exceeding 300 kilometres.

Concurrently, India has secured major contracts to acquire European Meteor air-to-air missiles from France.

The Su-30 MKI fleet, currently undergoing modifications and upgrades for the RVV BD integration, serves as the backbone of the Indian Air Force, with more than 260 aircraft in active service.

India is also pursuing two independent modernisation programmes for the fleet aimed at enhancing radar detection range and long-distance strike accuracy.

The multirole fighters played a pivotal role during Operation Sindoor, destroying several Pakistani air bases using long-range air-to-ground munitions, including air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Rampage precision weapons.

In addition, the DAC is reviewing a project for the overhaul of Su-30 MKI airframes and their AL-31 engines at state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

HAL is also expected to receive a major contract for the supply of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mark 3 aircraft.

ANI