Nothing in our inventory can replace Su-30MKI. Rather than replacing all those old MKI airframes, we should convert them as BrahMos-A carrier. This Su-30MKI and BrahMos-A combo is very uncanny and our most deadly combo against both land and maritime targets.If we are buying large number of Su57, then lot of Su30 mki will retire.
We should be porting UPG program to the Mki zation of Su57 program.
Maybe only 83 Su 30 mki will get upgraded as interim development.
In fact, I'm in favour of IAF procuring new MKI UPG. airframes of around 50-100 and convert the earlier 100 jets as BrahMos carriers. This is our shortcut towards a more survivable mini-bomber fleet which can penetrate contested skies and even protect itself.
Let's see what IAF decides


