India has formally launched the Sankalp‑2026 program to completely replace Russian avionics, radars, EW systems, and armaments on its Su‑30MKI and MiG‑29 fleets, marking a decisive shift towards technological sovereignty and reduced dependence on Russian suppliers.

The initiative prioritises 270 Sukhoi fighters and 70 MiG‑29s, with upgrades extending their service life until 2050.

The Indian Air Force has unveiled Sankalp‑2026 as a comprehensive roadmap to indigenise critical systems across its Russian‑origin combat fleet.

The program was initiated in response to sanction risks and supply chain disruptions caused by the Russia‑Ukraine conflict, which exposed vulnerabilities in India’s reliance on imported spares and avionics.

The compendium highlights that the heaviest focus will remain on sustaining the Su‑30MKI and MiG‑29 fleets. Together, these aircraft form the backbone of India’s air combat capability, with the Navy also operating 40 MiG‑29K marine variants.

The roadmap calls for replacing Russian avionics, onboard electronics, radar stations, EW suites, navigation, and communication systems with indigenous alternatives.

A key priority is the integration of Indian Astra beyond‑visual‑range air‑to‑air missiles, reducing dependence on Russian weapons. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that under the Super Sukhoi program, 84 fighters will receive new AESA radars, upgraded EW and navigation systems, and compatibility with both Indian and Western armaments by the end of the year. This will extend the operational lifespan of the fleet until 2050.

Earlier plans in 2025 under the “Super‑30” program envisaged partial upgrades, including AESA radars, Astra missiles, and digital cockpits with localisation levels of up to 78 per cent.

At that stage, the focus was on achieving a “4.5+ generation” capability rather than a complete rejection of Russian solutions. 

By early 2026, reports suggested that Russian technologies such as AL‑41F‑1S engines would still be involved, alongside HAL contracts for AL‑31FB and RD‑33 engine production. However, the launch of Sankalp‑2026 signals a clear departure, extending sovereignty to avionics, EW systems, and armaments without Russian participation.

The program also addresses the domestically built TEJAS light fighter jet, emphasising full indigenisation of avionics and EW suites, most notably the integration of the Uttam AESA radar. This radar will significantly enhance Tejas’ combat capabilities and reduce reliance on imported systems.

To accelerate implementation, the IAF is exploring the “Plant‑in‑Plant” concept, allowing private industry partners to operate directly within secure Base Repair Depots.

This arrangement is designed to speed up indigenous repair, overhaul, and spare production. Nodal Technology Centres established at BRDs are already collaborating with IITs and DRDO, with nearly 300 projects underway to overcome supply chain issues for critical spares.

The Russia‑Ukraine conflict has severely disrupted traditional military logistics, causing scarcity of critical spares and escalating costs. This has forced the IAF to rethink its maintenance doctrines and prioritise indigenous production of high‑technology spares, particularly line replaceable units such as avionics, EW systems, and aero‑engine components.

The Sankalp‑2026 program therefore represents a strategic pivot. By removing Russian avionics and systems from its frontline fighters, India is not only safeguarding operational readiness but also advancing its long‑term goal of defence self‑reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Agencies