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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is advancing its surveillance and airborne command capabilities through an initiative to acquire six pre-owned Embraer EMB-145 jets.
These aircraft will be transformed into state-of-the-art Netra Mk1A Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, significantly strengthening India's air defence network against emerging regional threats.
An open tender for the procurement of the commercial jets is expected to be issued shortly, seeking suitable airframes from the global secondary market.
Following acquisition, the complex modification process will be managed by the DRDO's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru, with technical collaboration from the original Brazilian manufacturer, Embraer.
The Netra Mk1A represents a major leap forward from the three Netra Mk1 systems currently in service.
The new version will be equipped with a powerful indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that utilises advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology. This upgrade will more than double the system's detection range to approximately 450 kilometres and provide 240-degree coverage.
The existing Netra Mk1 platforms have already proven their value in critical missions, including the 2019 Balakot airstrike and the recent 'Operation Sindoor' in May 2025.
This project is a strategic public-private partnership. Since production of the EMB-145 ceased over a decade ago, sourcing the aircraft requires a global search. Embraer, which supplied the original jets, will work with its Indian partner, Adani Defence and Aerospace, to identify and procure suitable airframes.
The collaboration will also oversee the extensive structural and system modifications, a move that supports India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ policy by integrating domestically developed DRDO radar and mission systems onto a proven platform.
The Embraer EMB-145 jet is considered an ideal platform for this demanding role due to its reliability, Mach 0.78 cruising speed, and features like in-flight refueling.
The conversion will involve fitting the aircraft with the advanced GaN-based radar, a comprehensive electronic warfare suite, secure communication data links, and a self-protection system.
These enhancements are specifically designed to improve the IAF's ability to detect and track low-observable stealth aircraft, such as the J-35A fighters that Pakistan is planning to acquire from China.
Valued at an estimated Rs 9,000 crore, this procurement is a critical measure to address the numerical disparity in surveillance aircraft with neighbouring countries.
The IAF currently operates six AEW&C systems (three Netra and three Israeli Phalcon AWACS), compared to Pakistan's fleet of nine and China's extensive arsenal of over 30. The addition of the six Netra Mk1A planes will significantly boost India's capacity for continuous, 24/7 aerial surveillance.
This effort is part of a broader strategy that also includes the development of six larger Netra Mk2 systems on Airbus A-321 platforms, which are anticipated to enter service by 2026-27.
