Govt Approves Indigenous Netra MkII Project for Six 360-Degree AWACS Surveillance Aircraft for IAF

In a major boost to India's aerial surveillance and strategic defence capabilities, the central government has officially approved the development of six new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

This landmark initiative, often referred to as the Netra MkII or AWACS India project, is a critical step towards achieving self-reliance in advanced military technology.

The project, with a significant financial outlay, will see the development of sophisticated surveillance aircraft designed to be the nation's "eyes in the sky."

This approval moves India into an exclusive league of countries capable of designing and manufacturing their own advanced airborne warning systems, significantly enhancing the IAF's operational readiness and surveillance network over the Indian subcontinent.

These next-generation AEW&C systems will be built on pre-owned Airbus A321 passenger aircraft acquired from Air India. The airframes will undergo extensive structural modifications by the DRDO.

The most prominent feature will be the integration of a large, static radar dome on top of the fuselage, which will house the primary radar system and enable comprehensive, 360-degree monitoring of airspace.

At the heart of the new aircraft will be a completely indigenous mission system. This includes a state-of-the-art Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which can detect and track multiple targets like fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles from hundreds of kilometres away.

The platform will also be equipped with advanced electronic intelligence gathering suites, secure communication links, and data networks, allowing it to function as an integrated command and control centre in the sky.

These aircraft are considered crucial "force multipliers" for the IAF. By providing a complete and real-time picture of the battle space, they greatly enhance the situational awareness of commanders on the ground and in the air.

This capability is vital for managing fighter jet deployments, coordinating complex strike missions, and maintaining dominance over the airspace during potential conflicts.

The project is slated for completion within an ambitious timeframe of three to four years and will be spearheaded by the DRDO in close collaboration with Indian industrial partners.

The induction of these six Netra MkII platforms will more than double the IAF’s current AEW&C fleet. Presently, the Air Force operates three Israeli Phalcon AWACS, mounted on larger Russian Il-76 transport aircraft, and two smaller indigenous Netra Mk1 systems, which offer 240-degree coverage.

The new aircraft will fill a critical capability gap, providing more robust, long-range threat detection and strengthening India's overall air defence shield.

 

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[Mayank393]

A good approach in recent times, especially after the operation Sindoor India has suddenly increased its defence procurement.

 

[Saksham Sinha]

How it can cover 360 degree cover when it doesn't have any radar to look behind it? An upper mounted radar and one in nose section, giving it only 300 degree of coverage.

 

[Ammoman]

Why would India use airplanes past their useful life? Payoff to Tata? They are worthless.

Use the Bombardier, like the US military is using. It can fly 12,000KM without refueling and fly just under the speed of sound. Fly at 50,000 feet. Politician are the biggest issue with the defence of India.

 

[tipoo2]

Netra is vital to plugging the AWACS gap. The current orders should land us right between Pakistan and China with 3 Mk1s already, 6 Mk1As, and 6 Mk2s. I'd just prefer they start working towards more Mk2s now, maybe 10. These are vital force multipliers, and kill chains and kill webs are not just the future but the present. These would really multiply the power of, say, a Tejas Mk1A that's carrying a missile that outranges its own radar, but not the Netra's, which can queue it up and guide it while the Tejas is already turning away.

 

[Bks98]

A 360-degree coverage radar in NETRA is a must. India is quite a laggard in terms of AWACS. DRDO must speed up the delivery.

 

[Sandeep]

This is a critical requirement and we need to buy more indigenous AWACS with a stronger and longer detection range, higher flight time, longer flight range and a reliable AWACS. We need to ensure that it has a 360 degree view and we can track in the air, ground and water at the same time.

At the same time they should quickly build another 6 NETRA MK1A and upgrade our existing NETRA MK1 planes. We should definitely increase and improve our indigenous technology and capabilities.