In a move that marks a major leap in India’s air power, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced plans to procure 100 state-of-the-art Aircraft Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ) pods for its Sukhoi Su-30MKI fleet. This decision isn’t just about hardware—it’s about transforming the very way India prepares for the next generation of aerial warfare.
The new system, fully aligned with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, represents a strategic shift towards self-reliance in electronic warfare — a domain that defines who dominates the sky in modern conflicts.
The Invisible Shield of the Skies
Unlike traditional missiles or guns, these jammer pods don’t destroy—they deceive. Built with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) and Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology, they form an invisible electronic shield around the aircraft.
DRFM enables the jammer to capture, manipulate, and send back false radar signals to enemy systems — making the Sukhoi appear as multiple targets or vanish altogether. In simpler terms, it turns India’s fighter jets into ghosts in the sky, impossible to lock on to or track.
This advanced system ensures that IAF pilots can outsmart even the most sophisticated enemy radars and missile systems, protecting both mission and life.
Super Sukhoi: From Russian to Indian Power
This new acquisition fits into the ₹65,000 crore Super Sukhoi upgrade programme, which aims to modernize India’s 260 Su-30MKIs into next-gen combat machines.
The upgrades include:
◆Virupaksha AESA radar, capable of tracking multiple targets through bad weather and jamming.
◆Modern Radar Warning Receivers (RWR) for instant threat alerts.
◆Smart glass cockpits with touchscreen displays and AI-assisted systems.
Together with the new jammer pods, these improvements will turn the Su-30MKI into a truly Indian-built 4.5-generation fighter, ready to dominate the skies for decades.
Built in India, for India’s Defence
In a proud boost to Indian industry, the tender mandates at least 50% indigenous content. This ensures that crucial electronic warfare technology remains in India’s hands — not dependent on foreign suppliers.
Companies like Data Patterns, BEL, and L&T Defence are leading the charge. Data Patterns has already demonstrated its TALON SHIELD jammer, based on cutting-edge Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors for greater power and reliability.
The delivery timeline? A challenging but achievable 36 months after signing the contract, with initial responses due in early 2026.
Strategic Importance
As India faces rapidly advancing air defence systems from rival nations, this development couldn’t be timelier. The next generation of warfare isn’t fought with bullets alone but with bytes and beams.
By investing in this indigenous electronic warfare ecosystem, India ensures its Sukhois remain relevant, survivable, and feared well into the 2040s.
In Simple Terms:
India’s Su-30MKIs are about to become smarter, stealthier, and deadlier — not through firepower alone, but through innovation.
With “Made in India” technology protecting them, the Sukhois are set to rule the skies—seen by none, feared by all.
