Indian Navy Turns to Indigenous Solutions for AEW&C Surveillance

In a strategic pivot, the Indian Navy is setting its sights on domestically developed solutions to bolster its airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities.

This shift comes in the wake of canceled plans to acquire additional Russian Ka-31 helicopters and challenges in procuring US-built E-2 Hawkeye aircraft.

Why the Change of Heart?​

Several factors have converged to prompt this change in direction. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has made further procurement of Russian Ka-31 helicopters uncertain. Additionally, the complexities of operating heavy E-2 Hawkeye aircraft from Indian aircraft carriers have raised concerns.

The Navy's ambitious plans to expand its carrier fleet have further highlighted the need for enhanced radar coverage to protect these valuable assets. Ship-based radar systems have inherent limitations due to the curvature of the earth, making airborne platforms essential for extending surveillance and early warning capabilities.

Potential Indigenous Solutions​

While specific details remain classified, India is actively pursuing several promising avenues. The DRDO AEW&CS (Airborne Early Warning and Control System), based on the Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft and equipped with indigenous AESA radar, is a potential contender.

Other options could include advanced radar systems integrated into helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with surveillance capabilities.

Challenges and Opportunities​

Developing complex AEW&C systems indigenously presents challenges, including the need for significant investments in research and development, technological expertise, and integration of diverse systems.

However, the potential rewards are substantial. Indigenous solutions can be tailored to India's unique operational requirements and environmental conditions, offering greater flexibility and adaptability.

A Strategic Step Forward​

The Indian Navy's embrace of indigenous AEW&C solutions represents a significant step towards enhancing its maritime surveillance capabilities while fostering self-reliance in critical defense technology.

As India seeks to expand its regional influence and secure its maritime interests, the development and deployment of homegrown aerial surveillance systems will play a pivotal role.

 

[Parthasarathi DasGupta]

Navy need a small Hawkeye type aircraft.

 

[Suman Podder]

Navy may consider the AWACS version of Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

 

[Torontodude]

Navy may consider the AWACS version of Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

V22 has a troubled history with too many problems

 

[desigandu]

IN should spend money to develop either the osprey or the new tiltrotor aircraft as AEW and Tankers from our smallish carriers...helicopters are slow and limited in range...for the 65000 ton carriers we must look at E-2C and MQ25 drone tankers.

 

[desigandu]

V22 has a troubled history with too many problems

V280S if we can get some...

 

[The_rED_dEVIL]

IN should spend money to develop either the osprey or the new tiltrotor aircraft as AEW and Tankers from our smallish carriers...helicopters are slow and limited in range...for the 65000 ton carriers we must look at E-2C and MQ25 drone tankers.

V22 Osprey is the only operational tiltrotor aircraft operational, still there are problems with it. It would be better to develop an Indian variant of Ka31 based on IMRH for operations from INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant class carriers (Helicopter AEW&C are at least proven platforms). Meanwhile, we should initiate the development of E-2 Hawkeye equivalent Indian fixed wing AEW&C for Vishal class CATOBAR ACs from now itself because that will take a lot of time. (DRDO can take help from Northrop Grumman if needed)

 

[Anant]

Helicopter-based AWACS will have a similar range-related issue as the Ka-31 does. It may not be a very feasible solution.

 

[Deepak Hegde]

Indigenous solutions are non-existent at present. It has to start from conceptualization. so will take at least 2 decades to come to induction for actual use, if at all.

 

[Anant]

Navy may consider the AWACS version of Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

The AWACS version of the Osprey doesn't exist, as its development was cancelled. Developing it for the sole sake of operating a small number of airframes would be cost-prohibitive. Moreover, other nations have shown little to no interest in the V-22 due to its cost and mechanical complexity. It wouldn't be a good option for us.

 

[Anant]

Navy need a small Hawkeye type aircraft.

That would require a CATOBAR carrier, which we don't have. You can't exactly miniaturise the Hawkeye much more than it already is.

 

[jazz]

Solar power High Altitude Recc Aircraft is also in testing phase and could be answer to above discussion and above all space satellite with synthetic aperture radar and other type of electronics you know what I am saying.

 

[Prashant Bokade]

V280S if we can get some...

Yupp, buy some billion dollar products and let our soldiers get killed in j and k in tin can vehicles.

 

[Anant]

Solar power High Altitude Recc Aircraft is also in testing phase and could be answer to above discussion and above all space satellite with synthetic aperture radar and other type of electronics you know what I am saying.

Pseudo-satellites are not optimal for the role because of the problems with tracking stuff from those altitudes. Moreover, such craft would be high-profile targets in war.

 

[Bhupesh Desai]

once decided how much time it would take? If it is going on to take additional 10 years may be this is good apparoach but to fill the GAP you need some Ka-31.

 

[Pink Panther]

Navy need a small Hawkeye type aircraft.

Naval IMRH would be perfect for this role, they could also play with Naval Tejas for this role in the carrier.

 

[IB]

Yupp, buy some billion dollar products and let our soldiers get killed in j and k in tin can vehicles.

economic growth and sell hal to tata and larsen and turbo.

 

[IB]

IN should spend money to develop either the osprey or the new tiltrotor aircraft as AEW and Tankers from our smallish carriers...helicopters are slow and limited in range...for the 65000 ton carriers we must look at E-2C and MQ25 drone tankers.

sir let us buy/build 24 minesweepers and atleast 9 submarines first.also doubling down on things like 6 more p8 and 12 seahawk helicopters is a better idea.

 

[desigandu]

sir let us buy/build 24 minesweepers and atleast 9 submarines first.also doubling down on things like 6 more p8 and 12 seahawk helicopters is a better idea.

Agreed, but we must (we probably are) should start seriously thinking/designing the capabilities of our 65,000 Ton carriers (Weapons, Propulsion, Sensors, AEW, Tankers, Fighters etc), even if they are more than a decade away...

 

[desigandu]

V22 Osprey is the only operational tiltrotor aircraft operational, still there are problems with it. It would be better to develop an Indian variant of Ka31 based on IMRH for operations from INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant class carriers (Helicopter AEW&C are at least proven platforms). Meanwhile, we should initiate the development of E-2 Hawkeye equivalent Indian fixed wing AEW&C for Vishal class CATOBAR ACs from now itself because that will take a lot of time. (DRDO can take help from Northrop Grumman if needed)

Here is a question - can the C-295s be modified (reduced weight, stronger undercarriage, folded wings, sensors etc.) for carriers operations especially for our 65000 Ton carriers, which hopefully come by 2035-2040...the smaller French carriers operate E2C (of course they have a flat deck which can launch bigger payloads) as compared to our our 2 carriers with ski jump...Wikipedia says - In August 2009, the U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman briefed the Indian Navy on the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye on its potential use to satisfy its current shore-based and future carrier-based Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) requirements. The Indian Navy has reportedly expressed interest in acquiring up to six Hawkeyes.Max takeoff weight: 57,500 lb (26,082 kg)...Rafale M weighs about 500 kg (1,100 lb) more than the Rafale C Max takeoff weight: 24,500 kg (54,013 lb)...so seems comparable but can the E2C get into our lifts etc...C295 Max takeoff weight: 21,000 kg (46,297 lb) normal 23,200 kg (51,147 lb) overload...But I haven't checked dimensions of these and also a dome and sensors may increase the weight...Biggest issue is ski jump vs catobar in my opinion of our carriers...Our 65000 Ton carriers should be Catobar, EMALs, AAG and the cherry will be nuclear propulsion which we can also achieve by Boat#3/4 if we go that route and Boat4 will be around 2045-2050...

 

[Rick Golder]

once decided how much time it would take? If it is going on to take additional 10 years may be this is good apparoach but to fill the GAP you need some Ka-31.

We can get those with IAC-2. So not so bad of a deal.