Indian Air Force announced that two of its fighter pilots died in the crash of a Su-30MKI on 23 May 2017. Squadron Leader D Pankaj and Flight Lieutenant S Achudev sustained fatal injuries when the aircraft crashed approximately 60 km from Tezpur Airbase.
On 15 Mar 2017, an Indian Air Force Su30 MKI fighter was lost in a crash near Pune. Two pilots ejected safely. This is the 7th crashes of the Su30 MKI for IAF. The other aircraft losses are detailed below:
30 Apr 2009. Pokhran, Rajesthan.
30 Nov 2009. Jathegaon.
13 Dec 2011. Pune.
19 Feb 2013. Pokhran.
14 Oct 2014. Pune.
19 May 2015. Tezpur.
The Pakistan Air Force is looking to Russia for longer range heavy fighters to complement its recent acquisition of JF-17. RIA Novosti news agency quoted Assistant of the President, Vladimir Kozhin, that Russia will sell Mi-35M attack helicopters and Su-35 combat aircraft to Pakistan.
In March, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain announced the expansion of military-tie with Russia with the purchase of Mi-35 gunships. The contract for four Mi-35M attack helicopters was signed in August with Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport. Discussion for 10 - 12 more Mi-35M is on-going. The Mi-35M (NATO Designation Hind-E) is an upgraded export version of the Mi-24V attack helicopter.
With the Rafale talks dragging, India is also turning its eye to Russia. India is reportedly interested in the Su-35. With the keen rivalry between the two neighbours, it is interesting that Russia is supplying arms to both sides.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is preparing to accept 120 indigenously developed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. According to Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, the Tejas fighters be inducted as it is and be upgraded later.
This meant that the IAF has scrapped a plan to develop an upgraded version of the Tejas, the Mk II. It was reported that the current version of the Tejas has 12 deficiencies with another 45 that were resolved. However, IAF which urgently needs replacement fighters, will accept the Tejas if they are fitted with an AESA radar, new electronic warfare suit, refueling capability and improved missiles.
The IAF currently has 33 combat squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 39.5, which is sought to be raised to 42. The gap will widen further with three squadrons being phased out this year. The Tejas will eventually equip six fighter squadrons.
