Presently, the most important fighter-bomber in the Indian arsenal equipped to deploy nuclear weapons is the Su-30MKI. Since 1997, 272 such jets have so far been acquired, including 50 from Russian production and 222 licence-built by HAL of India, while an additional 12 may be on order. As of 2021, Su-30MKI Sqns are 2,8, 15, 20, 24, 30, 31, 102, 106, 220, 221, 222 and TACDE (Tactics and Air Combat Development Establishment). Up to 40 Su- 30MKIs have been modified for the deployment of nuclear weapons. This illustration depicts the example registered as SB 040 (from the fourth batch, delivered in 2004), armed with the BrahMos hypersonic cruise missile – carried under the centreline, between the engine nacelles – which has been undergoing testing since 2017. Air-to-air missiles such as the R-73E (wing-tips), R-27ET (underwing pylon) and R-77 (or the indigenous Astra missile) would be carried for self-defence purposes during any nuclear mission. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)