Raj-Hindustani
Elite Member
Su-30MKI set for a bigger bite? India weighs 300-km Russian RVV-BD missile upgrade
More than 260 Su-30MKIs are in IAF service, while separate plans are also underway to modernise the fighter fleet and overhaul the aircraft and their AL-31 engines.
Statesman News Service | New Delhi | September 7, 2026 12:12 pm
India is considering a major expansion of the Su-30MKI’s air-to-air combat capability, with a proposal to integrate the Russian-origin RVV-BD long-range missile on the Indian Air Force’s frontline fighter aircraft set to come before the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).
The proposal is expected to be taken up for clearance at a DAC meeting scheduled for Monday, defence sources said. It comes as the Defence Ministry pursues a broader modernisation of the Su-30MKI fleet, including separate upgrade and overhaul programmes.
Su-30MKI missile integration proposal before DAC
The plan would require modifications to the Su-30MKI to accommodate the RVV-BD, a Russian long-range air-to-air weapon intended to engage airborne targets at extended distances.
Firearms & Weapons
The missile family includes variants designed to target aircraft such as Airborne Early Warning and Control platforms and other surveillance aircraft.
The proposed acquisition comes days before Russian President Vladimir Putin is due in India for the BRICS Summit, with defence cooperation expected to feature in engagements between New Delhi and Moscow.
India is hosting the summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.
India building longer-range air-to-air arsenal
The RVV-BD proposal forms part of a wider effort to increase the IAF’s ability to engage hostile aircraft from greater distances.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation is accelerating work on existing and future Astra air-to-air missile variants. Future versions are intended to reach targets beyond 300 km.
India has also placed orders for Meteor air-to-air missiles.
The parallel indigenous and overseas procurement tracks indicate that the Defence Ministry is pursuing multiple options to strengthen the IAF’s air-to-air weapon inventory.
Discover more
Western Europeans
Entertainment Media Rentals
War & Conflict
Over 260 Su-30MKIs form backbone of IAF fighter fleet
More than 260 Su-30MKIs are currently in IAF service, making the aircraft a central part of India’s combat fleet.Two separate modernisation projects are also being pursued for the fighters. The planned upgrades are aimed at improving their ability to detect and strike targets at greater distances.
The aircraft were used extensively during Operation Sindoor. According to reports, Su-30MKIs struck multiple Pakistani air bases using long-range air-to-ground weapons, including air-launched BrahMos missiles and Rampage weapons.
The proposed RVV-BD integration would focus instead on strengthening the fighter’s long-range air-to-air role.
Su-30MKI overhaul, AL-31 engine project also under consideration
The DAC is also expected to consider a project for the overhaul of Su-30MKI fighters by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, along with work on their AL-31 engines.HAL is separately likely to receive a significant order for Advanced Light Helicopter Mark-III aircraft.
