India plans to buy 21 MiG-29s and 12 Su-30MKI aircraft from Russia, as well as to modernize the fourth-generation fighter models already available in New Delhi with the help of Moscow, The Times of India writes.
The newspaper, citing its own sources, reports that the Indian side plans to send a corresponding request to Rosoboronexport in the near future. According to the publication, the acquisition of new fighters will allow India to make up for the loss of its combat aircraft.
The Times of India recalls that currently 42 Indian Su fighters are being modified for the installation of BrahMos supersonic missiles. Subsequently, these and other aircraft are planned to be equipped, in particular, with improved avionics and radars.
In June 2020, ANI, citing sources , reported that the Indian Air Force (Air Force) proposed to the government of the country to consider the urgent purchase of 21 MiG-29 and 12 Su-30MKI. The agency noted that this proposal, which involves speeding up the decision on the purchase of military equipment, was received against the background of the Indian-Chinese conflict that occurred in June 2020 on the border of the two countries.
In August 2019, the Defense News publication, citing its own sources, reported that the Indian company Hindustan Aeronautics will curtail the licensed production of Russian Su-30MKI fourth-generation fighters in March 2020, if it does not receive new orders for such aircraft.