New Bomb Racks for India’s Su-30MKI to Provide Lethal Strike Capabilities

The Indian Air Force is set to integrate the indigenous four-round Smart Quad Rack onto at least two of its Su-30MKI heavyweight fighter squadrons, which will improve their strike capabilities by increasing their weapons payload. The Su-30MKI currently forms the mainstay of the Indian fleet,  with over 250 in service in a dozen squadrons and several more on order. While the fighter’s airframe is closely derived from that of the Su-27 Flanker air superiority fighter, it is versatile enough to deploy for a number of roles including as a maritime strike fighter using cruise missiles and as a bomber. The new bomb racks will allow four 120kg bombs to be carried on a single rack, allowing each aircraft to deploy at least 20 bombs as well as defensive air to air missiles.

As a bomber Su-30 is prized for its high endurance, allowing it to reach targets far behind enemy lines with a heavy payload. The aircraft is considered by far the most capable in Indian service, and has the longest range. New bomb racks are intended to carry the indigenous Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) - although some of the fighters are also set to integrate Israeli SPICE-2000 GPS guided bombs which were ordered in early 2019. Flight trials for the new quad racks will begin in the near future.