Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Muskan Arora
The latest Bollywood movie "Fighter," featuring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, has portrayed an intense aerial confrontation between India's Sukhoi Su-30 and Pakistan's F-16 fighter jets. Let's take a look at some features and capabilities of both fighter jets and how they have performed in real world aerial battles.
The F-16 is manufactured by Lockheed Martin in the United States, while the Su-30MKI is a collaborative effort between Irkut Corp in Russia and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under license in India.
The F-16 was introduced in August 1978, whereas the Su-30MKI entered service in September 2002. However, Pakistan doesn't have the most advanced models of F16 and own the base models of the fighter jet. While India enjoys the most advanced models of the Su-30 and can upgrade its capabilities according to its needs.
The F-16 boasts an impressive top speed of 2414 kph (Mach 2), doubling the speed of sound. In contrast, the Su-30MKI reaches a top speed of 2120 kph (Mach 1.7).
The Sukhoi 30MKI is equipped with a built-in single-barrel 30-mm GSh-301 gun (150 rounds). It can carry up to 6 air-to-air missiles, 6 guided air-to-surface missiles, 6 laser-guided bombs, 8,500-kg cluster bombs, and 80 unguided rockets, with a payload capacity of up to 8,000 kg.
The F-16 features one M61A1 20 mm cannon (500 rounds) and can carry up to six AIM-9 Sidewinder or AIM-120 AMRAAMs air-to-air missiles, along with various air-to-surface weapons in the USAF inventory (nuclear and conventional).
In a dramatic aerial confrontation known as "Operation Swift Retort," the Su-30MKI, a formidable Indian Air Force aircraft, showcased its superiority by defeating eight Pakistani F-16s, which entered Indian Airspace to attack military instalments after India destroyed several terrorist camps inside Pakistan in an air raid. The Sukhoi's triumph unfolded as it boldly counterattacked, turning the tables on the F-16s despite being outnumbered and facing a higher threat level.
During the intense aerial skirmish on February 27, 2019, two Su-30MKIs, aptly nicknamed 'Avenger,' courageously engaged with the Pakistani F-16s. In a departure from conventional tactics, the Su-30MKIs chose not to retreat but instead launched a daring counterattack, demonstrating the aircraft's agility and combat prowess.