NAGPUR, Mar 6 : The recent crash of a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet, considered the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF), has once again drawn attention to safety and operational aspects of the advanced combat aircraft.
The Su-30MKI, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and customised for India with several indigenous and international technologies, is regarded as one of the most powerful fighter aircraft in the IAF fleet.
Equipped with twin engines, thrust-vectoring capability and advanced radar systems, the aircraft is known for its high manoeuvrability and multi-role combat performance.
Capable of flying at a speed of around 2,100 km per hour, the aircraft can carry out a variety of missions including air superiority operations, precision strikes on ground targets and long-range patrols. It also has mid-air refuelling capability, which significantly extends its operational range.
The Su-30MKI plays a crucial role in India’s defence preparedness and is widely deployed for aerial patrols in sensitive regions, including the northern borders and maritime zones.
The aircraft has also demonstrated its operational capabilities during several military exercises. However, despite its advanced technology, there have been a few incidents involving the aircraft in the past.
Some of the accidents occurred during training sorties or due to technical issues. In certain cases, pilots managed to eject safely, while investigations were launched to ascertain the exact cause of the crashes.
Following such incidents, the Indian Air Force has strengthened its maintenance protocols, technical inspections and training procedures.
Defence experts note that while occasional accidents occur in advanced fighter aircraft fleets worldwide, each incident is thoroughly analysed to improve safety measures and operational reliability.
Despite such concerns, the Su-30MKI continues to remain a key pillar of the Indian Air Force’s combat strength and a significant component of the country’s air defence capability.
(UNI)
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