October 20, 2014: The crash of a Su-30 MKI heavy fighter last week near the Lohegaon air base in Pune has once again raised concerns about the aircraft's fly by wire (FBW) system that first came to the attention of the IAF between 20011-12. An ongoing discussion between the IAF, HAL and Sukhoi Design Bureau has resulted in certain minor design changes that have made the FBW power switch necessarily ineffective after take-off, but could there be software problems? In 2012, then Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne had indicated that there could be problems. Reports suggest that last week's Su-30 crash was also likely due to an FBW "issue", suggesting that whatever it is that caught the attention of the IAF two-three years ago, is still prevalent in some form. The Court of Inquiry into the crash is underway, while the IAF's Su-30 MKI fleet is under a routine post-accident grounding to ascertain all aspects of hardware and software are safe. The fleet is expected to continue air operations next week. In the interim, the conversation continues with Sukhoi DB about whether deeper changes need to be explored in the flight systems that govern the aircraft. India stands to be the largest operator of the Su-30 with 272 of the type on order, and nearly over 150 already delivered. It will be the single largest type in service, making it imperative for the IAF to rapidly iron out all problems with the aircraft since it will be the frontline jet over the next two decades.