I read somewhere that the last IAF top-up order for 42 Su30mki’s was for the Su35 spec aircraft. Considering that the mki’s avionics is not russian, is there much of a change in the basic airframe?
The engines are different, the airframe is lighter (more composites) and nose section is modified for a newer radar and IRSTS set. Though in the same category by weight/role, it’s a different aircraft in many ways. So little by way of commonality.
While it’s likely that there is some Indian interest (the Russians have been hawking it), I presume that the IAF is looking at the SU-34 strike variant for its strategic strike requirement (40 aircraft).