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The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has officially launched a crucial phase in the development of India’s next-generation airborne surveillance capabilities.
The Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO’s nodal laboratory for such complex systems, has released its first open tender for the Netra Mk2 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) programme.
This tender invites Indian private aerospace companies to design and manufacture the "Metallic Hood"—the critical aerodynamic structure that will house the aircraft's primary radar.
This move signals the beginning of extensive industry involvement in the ₹11,000-crore project, which aims to bolster the Indian Air Force's (IAF) surveillance net against adversaries.
A Quantum Leap in Surveillance
The Netra Mk2 programme is designed to bridge the gap between the smaller, Embraer-based Netra Mk1 jets and the larger, Russian IL-76 based Phalcon AWACS currently operated by the IAF.Under this ambitious project, DRDO will deliver six Airbus A321 aircraft transformed into "eyes in the sky" by the 2031–32 timeline.
These aircraft are being sourced from the Air India fleet and will undergo extensive structural modifications to carry the massive radar systems.
Once operational, they will provide a significant boost to India’s situational awareness, capable of detecting and tracking enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles deep inside hostile territory.
The Heart of the System: Active Antenna Array Unit
The specific component sought in this tender—the Metallic Hood—serves as the housing for the Active Antenna Array Unit (AAAU). This unit is the core of the surveillance system, featuring a dual-sided S-band radar that provides 300-degree coverage.Unlike a rotating rotodome seen on older AWACS, the Netra Mk2 utilizes a "balance-beam" configuration. This involves mounting two large, rectangular radar panels, each measuring approximately 10 metres in length and 1.8 metres in height, longitudinally above the aircraft’s fuselage.
These panels are powered by thousands of Gallium Nitride (GaN) based Transmit/Receive (T/R) modules.
Developed indigenously by the Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), these GaN modules represent the latest in semiconductor technology, offering higher efficiency and power output compared to older radar systems.
Engineering Challenges for the Private Sector
The development of the Metallic Hood presents a significant engineering challenge, described as one of the largest single metallic aerospace structures ever to be fabricated in India. It is not merely a cover but a structural component vital for the aircraft's stability and the radar's performance.According to the tender requirements, the selected private partner must ensure the structure meets stringent standards:
- Aerodynamic Integrity: The hood must withstand flight speeds of Mach 0.8 (approximately 980 km/h) and endure extreme temperature variations ranging from -55°C to +70°C.
- Radar Transparency: The design must ensure minimal interference with radar signals, maintaining a signal attenuation of less than 0.5 decibels (one-way) in the S-band frequency.
- Durability: It must be robust enough to survive bird strikes and lightning strikes while maintaining a strict weight limit of under 2.2 tonnes.
- Thermal Management: The structure must integrate complex environmental control systems, including cooling ducts essential for keeping the high-power T/R modules operational.
Strategic Importance
This project is seen as a vital step towards self-reliance in high-technology defence manufacturing. By involving the private sector in the fabrication of such critical sub-systems, DRDO is aiming to create a robust domestic supply chain for advanced aerospace components.The successful induction of the Netra Mk2 will significantly enhance the IAF's ability to monitor both the western and northern borders simultaneously, acting as a force multiplier during aerial combat operations.
