Why Pakistan Fears India's Formidable Su-30MKI Fighter Jets

If there were an aerial combat scenario involving the Su-30MKI against Pakistan’s F-16s—or even their locally developed JF-17 fighters—the Indian aircraft would most likely emerge victorious without much effort.

India is poised for war alongside their neighbor, Pakistan, following a recent Islamist terrorist attack In the contested Kashmir area, 26 Indian citizens lost their lives. India has legitimate reason to be angered at Pakistan—primarily due to Pakistan’s refusal to grant India’s demands that the assailants, originating from Pakistan, face legal consequences, along with the country’s ridiculous claims of having no involvement in the assault. Moreover, certain members of the Pakistani legislative body have publicly labeled the terrorists behind the Kashmir incident as criminals. “freedom fighters.”

Consequently, the Indians have vowed to seek revenge. The strain between these two nuclear-capable nations has reached heights unseen since the 2008 Mumbai assaults. As tensions rise between their respective governments and verbal sparring intensifies among top officials, Indian and Pakistani troops are increasingly converging.

India's Su-30MKI Will Fire the First Shot at Pakistan

One of the systems that India would most likely use against the Pakistanis during the initial hours of a confrontation would be their Su-30MKI , a twin-engine, multirole combat aircraft that was developed collaboratively with India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) And Russia’s renowned Sukhoi Design Bureau. Since 2002, the Su-30MKI has developed into a multifunctional asset for the Indian Air Force, serving as a crucial element in India’s defense planning, influence expansion within the region, and progress in local technology development.

The Sukhoi Su-30 It was a well-established design from the waning years of the Soviet era. During the 1990s, when India sought an economical yet sophisticated multi-role combat aircraft, they settled on the Sukhoi Su-30. However, New Delhi didn’t merely wish for Russia to replicate the existing Su-30 models; instead, their engineers envisioned several customizations aimed at making this version distinct and better suited for India’s strategic needs in defending its territory. These adjustments were particularly focused on enabling sustained performance under extreme conditions typical in areas such as the Himalayan region.

In other words, the “I” at the end of the Su-30MKI designation for the plane is not just for show. The plane’s design first came from Russia, but the finished product incorporates Indian engineering from start to finish. In fact, the jet includes advanced technologies from not only Russia and India, but also Israel, France, and others—making it a truly multinational product. Key modifications India made to the Su-30 base model include thrust-vectoring engines, an advanced avionics suite, and integration of indigenously developed systems. HAL, under a licensed production agreement, has manufactured the majority of India’s Su-30MKI fleet at its Nashik facility , contributing to India’s push for self-reliance in defense production.

The initial batch of Su-30MKIs was handed over to the Indian Air Force in 2002, and the number of these planes has expanded to more than 260, which makes it the most numerous fighter type within the Indian Air Force.

An Su-30MKI is driven by twin engines. AL-31FP turbofan engines , guaranteeing that this aircraft can reach a speed of Mach 2 and has a combat radius of approximately 1,864 miles (which can be extended through aerial refueling). The Su-30MKI features thrust-vectoring nozzles, offering outstanding agility and enabling the plane to execute intricate aerobatic moves such as the renowned Pugachev’s Cobra .

Whe Su-30MKI Is So Dangerous in Aerial Combat

The “Pugachev’s Cobra” maneuver is named after Soviet test pilot Viktor Pugachev, who first performed it at the 1989 Paris Air Show. In this maneuver, the pilot pulls his aircraft’s nose upward to a near-vertical (or even slightly past-vertical) angle of attack (often 90-120 degrees) while maintaining forward momentum.

Consequently, the aircraft temporarily flies with its tail forward (!), mimicking the upright movement of a cobra, then returns to standard flight as the nose dips downward again. An essential aspect of Pugachev’s Cobra maneuver is that the plane remains stall-free throughout; this is achieved through the use of the Su-30MKI’s robust engines, sleek aerodynamics, and adjustable thrust vectoring nozzles for sustained control.

None of the aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force can match this capability. In case of an aerial combat between the Su-30MKI and Pakistani F-16s—or even more so with their locally developed JF-17 fighters—the Indian jets would most likely emerge victorious without much effort.

To put it differently, the Su-30MKI would pose a significant threat to the Pakistan Air Force should tensions on the Indian subcontinent escalate into an all-out conflict—something that seems increasingly likely.

The Systems That Make the Su-30MKI Great

The aircraft is fitted with an infrared sensing and tracking (IRST) system Electronic Countermeasure (ECM) systems, along with a helmet-mounted display for improved situational awareness, enhance its capabilities. The integration of Western components like French navigation systems and Indian-made mission computers into the Su-30MKI allows Indian engineers to provide substantial operational versatility to this aircraft.

These aircraft are equipped with a varied array of air-to-ground, air-to-air, and anti-ship weaponry. Due to its background, the Su-30MKI can use Russian missiles like the R-77 and R-73 , along with weaponry developed in India, such as the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile and the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile .

The aircraft's 12 hardpoints enable it to carry up to eight tons of ordnance, rendering it a powerful asset for executing both aggressive and protective operations.

India’s Su-30MKI accounts for nearly half of India’s entire warplane fleet. The jet’s versatility allows it to go from conducting air superiority and interdiction to strategic bombing and maritime operations. Its long range and endurance make it ideal for patrolling India’s vast borders, particularly in the high-altitude regions of Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh, where tensions with China have escalated in recent years.

Pakistan Is Engaging in an Unwinnable Conflict

If tensions escalate into conflict with Pakistan, the disparities between India's armed forces and those of Pakistan will become increasingly evident. Pakistan appears to be militarily weakened. Moreover, their nuclear capabilities lag behind India's in terms of advancement.

If conflict arises, Indian aircraft such as the Su-30MKI will face off against Pakistan’s combatants. JF-17 Thunders —A battle with an outcome that appears to be predetermined. The Su-30MKI is not the sole sophisticated combat aircraft in India’s inventory. They also possess Dassault Mirage 2000s , Rafale Ms , and Saab JAS 39 Gripens —each of which outperforms the systems within Pakistan’s arsenal. Should a war occur, including a potential nuclear conflict, it would not bode well for the Islamists currently in control of Pakistan.

About the Creator: Brandon J. Weichert

Brandon J. Weichert , a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon .

Image: Shutterstock / Joe Ravi.