Pune, Sept. 12 -- Russia's proposal to supply advanced engines to modernise the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Su-30MKI fleet will significantly boost the fighter jet's thrust, high-altitude endurance, and combat range, offering India a decisive operational advantage over regional adversaries, according to defence expert (Retd) Brigadier Hemant Mahajan.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of bilateral defence discussions emerging alongside the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Retd Brig Mahajan emphasised the critical nature of upgrading the Su-30MKI, which forms the primary strike backbone of India's air power.

Underlining the fleet's overwhelming prominence in India's overall defence architecture, Mahajan noted, "As far as the Sukhoi fleet is concern...