IAF Issue RFI for 100 Advanced Self-Protection Jammer Pods For Su-30MKI

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking the procurement of 100 Advanced Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ) pods for its fleet of Su-30MKI multirole fighters. The move is aimed at strengthening the aircraft’s survivability and electronic warfare (EW) resilience against modern radar-guided threats, marking a critical step in India’s ongoing effort to modernize its combat fleet under the ‘Make in India’ framework.

According to the RFI, the IAF plans to acquire 100 complete ASPJ systems, including pods, associated electronics, ground support equipment, integration kits, and documentation. The procurement aims to enhance the Su-30MKI’s ability to operate effectively in high-threat environments saturated with enemy radars and surface-to-air missile systems. The document also highlights an emphasis on indigenous content, seeking responses from firms capable of delivering locally produced or co-developed systems with robust after-sales and maintenance support within India.

The ASPJ is designed to detect, analyze, and jam hostile radar signals using real-time electronic countermeasures. It can confuse or degrade enemy tracking and missile guidance systems, ensuring that the aircraft remains undetected or protected during critical missions. These pods will work in tandem with the DRDO’s ‘Dhruti’ Radar Warning Receiver (RWR), creating a comprehensive self-protection suite for the Su-30MKI.

Several domestic players are expected to respond to the RFI. The Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE) and Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), both under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), have been actively developing indigenous jamming pods based on Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) architecture. These pods use Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) techniques to effectively spoof and deceive enemy radars by replicating or altering radar returns.

Private defense companies such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Data Patterns are also likely participants, given their expertise in airborne electronic warfare systems. Data Patterns has previously unveiled its ‘Talon Shield’ ASPJ system, which can be configured for large fighter platforms such as the Su-30MKI.

The ASPJ procurement is also expected to align with the ‘Super Sukhoi’ modernization program, which aims to upgrade over 200 Su-30MKI aircraft with advanced avionics, the new ‘Virupaksha’ AESA radar, digital mission computers, and upgraded EW systems. Once operational, the ASPJ pods will dramatically improve the fighter’s ability to survive in contested airspace, particularly against emerging long-range radar systems and networked air-defense networks deployed by potential adversaries.

Technically, the new jammer pods are expected to operate across a wide 4 to 40 GHz frequency band and will likely include features such as automatic threat recognition, 360-degree coverage, and high-power jamming output for both defensive and offensive EW operations. Integration will be carried out under IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) supervision to ensure compatibility with existing mission computers and weapon systems.

The RFI seeks detailed inputs from qualified vendors regarding system specifications, integration timelines, indigenous content, and lifecycle support capabilities. The submissions will form the basis for a forthcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) phase, where shortlisted vendors will submit detailed bids.

Industry observers suggest that flight integration and testing could commence by 2026, with production deliveries possibly starting around 2027–2028. Once fully inducted, these jammer pods will significantly enhance the Su-30MKI’s survivability, ensuring that India’s air dominance platform remains combat-relevant against future threats in the Indo-Pacific region.

By investing in advanced jamming technology, the IAF is reinforcing its strategy of building a self-reliant electronic warfare ecosystem, ensuring that its frontline aircraft remain shielded from the increasingly sophisticated radar and missile systems of potential adversaries.