India’s Su-30MKI Fighter Jets Get a Major Boost with Virupaksha AESA Radar

India’s Su-30MKI Fighter Jets Get a Major Boost with Virupaksha AESA Radar

Posted on May 21, 2025 | New Delhi

By Defence and Technology

India is stepping up its air defense game by upgrading its Su-30MKI fighter jets with a cutting-edge radar system called the Virupaksha AESA Radar. Developed by India’s own DRDO, this radar uses advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology to detect and track stealth aircraft—like China’s J-20 and J-35—from long distances. This upgrade is a key part of the Indian Air Force’s plan to keep its fleet battle-ready and counter growing threats in the region.

A big boost in Indian defense 

What’s Special About the Virupaksha AESA Radar?

The Virupaksha radar, developed by DRDO’s Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), is a high-tech Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) system. Unlike older radars, it uses thousands of tiny transmit/receive modules (TRMs) to quickly track multiple targets at once.

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Indian Jet Fighter  

What makes this radar stand out is its use of Gallium Nitride (GaN) instead of the older Gallium Arsenide (GaAs). GaN delivers more power and better heat resistance, so the radar stays reliable even during intense combat. With around 2,400 to 2,600 TRMs, Virupaksha can spot small, fast, or stealthy targets even in challenging conditions—making it a game-changer.

Why Does This Matter?

Stealth aircraft like China’s J-20 and the upcoming J-35A are designed to avoid radar detection by having a smaller radar cross-section (RCS). Regular radars struggle to pick them up, but Virupaksha is built to counter that. Reports say it can detect a 1-square-meter RCS target from over 250 kilometers away and possibly spot stealth aircraft with a 0.01-square-meter RCS at 200–300 kilometers. That means the Indian Air Force can detect threats well before they’re close enough to launch missiles.

This gives the Su-30MKI a huge edge in Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat. Paired with long-range air-to-air missiles, pilots get to “see first and strike first,” which is crucial in modern aerial battles.

How Does the Upgrade Compare?

Here’s a quick look at the major differences between the Su-30MKI before and after the Virupaksha AESA radar and Super-30 upgrades:

More Than Just a Radar

The Virupaksha radar is part of the Indian Air Force’s Super-30 upgrade program, which will modernize 84 Su-30MKI jets starting in 2026. It’s not just a tech swap—it’s a full upgrade aimed at future-proofing these jets.

Here’s what else is included:

Digital Cockpit: New screens and controls to help pilots stay aware and manage tasks more easily.

Infrared Search and Track (IRST): Allows the jet to quietly detect enemy aircraft by their heat, even when hiding from radar.

Advanced Missiles: The Astra MkIII missile, with a ramjet engine, can hit targets up to 350 km away—matching the radar’s long reach.

A cool feature is the radar’s “swashplate” system, which lets it tilt and move inside the jet. This gives a wider view, almost like having a mini airborne early warning system (AWACS) on a fighter jet.

Indian Jet Fighter.. Guardian of the sky 

Why This Upgrade Changes the Game

With these upgrades, the Su-30MKI isn’t just a fighter anymore—it’s a versatile powerhouse. It can dominate the skies, support ground missions, and guide other aircraft in combat. Here’s why this matters:

Countering Stealth: India now has a way to detect stealth aircraft fielded by rivals.

Long-Range Advantage: Spotting enemies far away lets pilots strike safely and improve mission success.

Homegrown Tech: Virupaksha is made in India, supporting self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Looking Ahead

The Su-30MKI has been a backbone of India’s air force for years. With the Virupaksha radar and Super-30 upgrades, it’s evolving into a next-level combat machine. This isn’t just about keeping pace—it’s about staying ahead.

By combining homegrown innovation with smart planning, India is making sure its air force is ready for the future, where stealth, speed, and electronic warfare dominate the skies. The upgraded Su-30MKI will remain a fierce protector of India’s airspace for years to come.