The government has approved an approximately Rs 20,000 crore AWACS project, a major step toward boosting the Indian Air Force’s airborne surveillance and early warning capabilities. Under this programme, India will develop next-generation indigenous airborne early warning and control systems (AEW&C), positioning the country among a select group with advanced homegrown military radar technology.The programme, also known as Netra MkII, is being spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which will work with several Indian companies and Airbus. It is being developed alongside DRDO’s recently cleared fifth-generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft project, as reported by ET.Under Awacs India, six large airborne warning systems will be developed. These will be capable of tracking enemy aircraft, ground sensors, and other equipment over long distances, while also functioning as airborne command centres.The systems will be installed on Airbus A321 aircraft, with complex antennas and advanced technologies integrated on board. This marks the first time an Airbus platform is being used for such a role, traditionally dominated by Boeing.The IAF already has six A321 aircraft, previously acquired from Air India. These will undergo significant structural modifications, including the addition of a dorsal radar fin that will provide 360-degree radar coverage.The project, expected to be completed in about three years, will feature fully indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and mission control systems, reported the financial daily. It is also expected to give Indian firms valuable experience in developing and integrating complex defence technologies.The IAF currently operates smaller Netra early warning aircraft, which have proved effective in past conflicts with Pakistan. In addition, it uses three IL76-based Phalcon systems developed in collaboration with Israel and Russia, though these have faced technical and operational challenges.The Awacs India project may also open up future export opportunities as India strengthens its position in high-end defence manufacturing.
