The Indian Air Force (IAF) is poised to significantly strengthen its airborne surveillance capabilities following recent governmental clearance for the acquisition of six Embraer EMB-145 aircraft. These aircraft will form the base for the advanced Netra Mk1A Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system.
This approval, expected to receive final confirmation from the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) shortly, represents a major advancement in the IAF's ongoing efforts to modernise its 'eyes in the sky'.
The Netra Mk1A program involves procuring used EMB-145 regional jets, as production of this model ceased over a decade ago. Brazil's Embraer, the original aircraft manufacturer, will collaborate with India's Adani Defence and Aerospace to locate suitable pre-owned aircraft on the global secondary market. This partnership aims to successfully deliver the enhanced Netra Mk1A systems to the IAF.
Building upon the existing Netra AEW&C system, the Mk1A version promises upgraded capabilities. The current three Netra systems, also based on the EMB-145 platform, feature indigenous radar technology developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation's (DRDO) Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS). These provide 240-degree radar surveillance up to approximately 450 kilometers.
The upcoming Netra Mk1A will include improved mission systems and equipment modifications to better counter evolving security challenges along India's borders. The addition of these six aircraft will nearly triple the IAF's current Netra AEW&C fleet, addressing a critical need identified during aerial engagements in 2019.
Sourcing the EMB-145 aircraft requires navigating the pre-owned market, as new units are unavailable. Embraer will leverage its global network and experience, having previously supplied three modified EMB-145s to India for the original Netra project in the early 2010s.
Those aircraft were integrated with Indian systems including the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) technology, datalinks, and self-protection systems specified by the IAF.
Adani Defence and Aerospace will undertake significant responsibilities within the Netra Mk1A project. Besides aiding Embraer in finding appropriate aircraft, Adani will be involved in modifying the commercial jets into military-standard AEW&C platforms.
The company's expanding capabilities in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), along with existing collaborations, support its role in integrating the sophisticated indigenous radar and avionics developed by DRDO onto the acquired airframes.
The selection of suitable EMB-145 aircraft will require careful consideration of their condition, cost, and availability. The EMB-145 jet, known for its reliability and suitability for the Netra mission profile with a range of over 2,800 km and a cruising speed of Mach 0.78, will undergo substantial conversion work in India.
This process will likely involve technical assistance from Embraer. The upgraded Netra Mk1A aims to provide enhanced detection of low-flying objects, improved coordination of air operations, and crucial real-time battlefield awareness.
This Netra Mk1A initiative is part of a broader strategy by the IAF and DRDO to boost India's airborne surveillance power. A separate project is underway to develop six larger AEW&C systems using Airbus A-321 aircraft platforms.
However, the EMB-145 based Netra Mk1A is expected to be operational sooner, utilising a proven design and building on the established relationship between Embraer and India. The IAF's existing familiarity with the EMB-145 platform, already used for VVIP transport, further supports this acquisition.
