India's domestically developed Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C), known as NETRA, is close to achieving Final Operational Configuration (FOC) after nearly seven years of development and rigorous testing.
This milestone, expected by the end of the year, will signify that the system is fully operational and ready to fulfill the Indian Air Force's (IAF) strategic surveillance and defense requirements.
The NETRA program, spearheaded by the DRDO, received Initial Operational Configuration (IOC) status in 2017. Since then, the IAF has been operating two NETRA Mk1 AEW&CS systems based on the Embraer ERJ-145 platform. A third platform serves as a joint DRDO-IAF testbed for ongoing system enhancements.
This year has seen significant progress in the NETRA program. The IAF received clearance to procure six NETRA Mk1A (Advanced) systems, featuring various improvements over the initial version.
Additionally, clearance was granted for the acquisition of six NETRA MkII systems, based on the Airbus A321 platform. These advanced systems will offer enhanced range and tracking capabilities, significantly bolstering the IAF's surveillance capabilities.
The NETRA AEW&C program represents a major achievement for India's indigenous defense technology capabilities. Providing the IAF with a critical surveillance and command-and-control asset, NETRA enhances its ability to monitor and respond to aerial and ground threats.
As the program progresses towards FOC, India is poised to further strengthen its air defense capabilities, ensuring a more secure and responsive defense network.
