Indian Air Force (IAF) focuses on AI-based solutions for upgrading Su-30 jets

• The IAF is working on the financial aspects of the upgrade to the first batch of Su-30MKI jets.
• The upgrade process could take five to seven years, with pilot projects underway with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
• The upgrade will involve 51 systems with an indigenous content of 78%, with the majority of upgrades being indigenous.
• The Defence Acquisition Council has given preliminary approval for the upgrade.
• The IAF is also implementing AI for inventory management, with the aim of “minimal human intervention, maximum combat potential.”
• The IAF is looking to make the aircraft talk to the hardware tree and digital twin software to give specific preventive recommendations.
• A pilot project with IIT-B is being initiated to digitally fingerprint parts.