MKIs are air superiority fighters, I believe they will be the first to enter combat.............
Excellent question --
I have always wondered how and when will Su 30 be used in a conflict.
Few points to consider -- These are all theories...
1) Who will suppress the Sam sites , radar sites , etc. ?
I believe SU 30 MKI will enter up the airspace at a very high altitude (beyond SAM coverage) but at the same time all the SAM sites will lit up painting SU 30 MKI. MKI will relay the position to JAG's , M2K and Mig 27 to do the ground level Radar clearence. At the same time SU 30 MKI will watch out for any interceptors. Note the role that MKI is doing can only be done by them due to the endurance factor.
2) Once most of the SAM sites are cleared -- SU 30 MKI's will enter in full force towards the fighter bases. Hordes and hordes of aircraft -- assisted by Phalcons. Note that the E3 sentry can control almost 128 aircrafts at one point of time (by some rpeorts) , Phalcon can do the same.
3) Mig 29's will be used purely in interceptor roles - i.e will be the primary aircraft for tackling F16's that Pakistan will send towards Indian Air space.
4) It is important to note what will be the role of AWACS on both sides. But i am pretty sure that MKI will be tasked with keeping the Pakistan AWACS at bay - i.e outside its operational range. However this is not as easy as it sounds ..for this to happen air superiority needs to be established -- this can be debated.Same role goes for F16 also. Phalcon on the other hand will be tasked to co-ordinate multiple sorties for Mig 29 interceptors , MKI intrusion into Pak airspace and Jaguar clearence. IAF has been practising this and observing this as part of all its multinational excercises.
5) What will be the role of MRCA ? - depends on the aiircraft.
6) Aircrafts like Mig21's due to their high numbers can be used in a wave formation. This aircrafts will complement MKI's in their intrusion to PAK airspace...the tactics will be fire the BVR's and scout. Let MKI do the full kill.
7) Mirage is multi role aircraft and one of the most reliable. They will be tasked with destruction of high value targets. The interception route will be assisted by MKI's.
Number of MKI's currently stands at almost 120, every year 23-28 will be added. It is pretty much sure that they will be involved in every phase of war due to their technological prowess , endurance and high numbers available.
Finally these are just theories ,
members please feel free to add or counter any points.
These strategies are from IAF perspective, i am not talking about PAF perspective which will be altogether a seperate topic.