Sukhoi-30 MKI To Test Fire Brahmos Missile In April

India is inching close to a test launch of the Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter aircraft with Brahmos missile in April this year.

Times of India quoting a senior officer with knowledge of the testing process said, "The testing is in the advanced stages. A few minor marrying issues (integrating Indian systems with the Russian aircraft) are being sorted out.”

However, “We are confident that the fighter and the missile will be ready for a flight in April." the official was quoted as saying by Times of India Thursday.

The project saw defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) take more than two years to handover a modified Su-30MKI which could be integrated with the missile.

"Now, all that is left is a few minor problems, which should be sorted out in about 30-35 days," another official said.

The IAF's initial requirement is for two Su-30 MKIs with BrahMos, but it eventually planned to integrate 216 missiles on 42 Sukhoi fighters. The project was first conceived in July-August 2012.

The air-launched Brahmos has an export market in seven countries, A senior Brahmos exexutive, Praveen Pathak was quoted during the recent IDEX 2017.

India is not only to equip its own forces with the air-launched Brahmos but also sell the Su-30MKI-Brahmos package to foreign countries. As of now only the heavy Sukhoi is the only aircraft in the world that can carry the 2.5 ton missile.