AI big focus of SU-30MKI upgrade; IAF taking up pilot projects with IIT-Mumbai, says officer

The financial aspects of the comprehensive upgrade to the first batch of SU-30MKI jets are being worked out and the process would start as soon as it is approved, a senior official of the Indian Air Force said. It can take around five to seven years to update the batch of 84 jets, and the IAF has taken up pilot projects with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in regard to Artificial Intelligence-based engine and asset maintenance solutions, as well as for spares and inventory optimisation, he added.

“The financial aspects are being worked on. Once that is sorted out and the government authorises it, the upgrade will commence. If the government clears it, say early next year, we should start straight away. They have to do their due diligence for such a big project,” Air Marshal C.R. Mohan, Air Officer Maintenance told The Hindu in an interview ahead of his retirement on October 31. “I would imagine it would take at least five to seven years. By the time it is fully realised, it takes that time for certifying, testing, modification etc. It is a major upgrade. These are ball park figures and not project figures,” he stated.

Source:thehindu.com