India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), through its specialized laboratory the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), has officially called upon private industry to help build the software for the country's next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, known as the Netra Mk2.
By issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the primary radar software, the government is taking a major step forward in boosting the Indian Air Force's aerial surveillance capabilities.
This decision also marks a significant milestone in integrating private enterprise into the creation of highly sensitive airborne military technologies.
The Netra Mk2 project, which received Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) clearance in 2021 with an estimated budget of nearly ₹10,990 crore, represents a massive upgrade over the existing Embraer-based Netra Mk1.
Instead of the older model's 240-degree viewing angle, the new system will be installed on heavily modified ex-Air India Airbus A321 passenger jets to provide a much wider 300-degree radar coverage.
This expanded view is made possible by a combination of a main dorsal-mounted antenna and a forward-facing nose radar.
The system relies on a sophisticated 4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar utilizing advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology.
Operating on multiple frequencies (S-band and X-band), it can simultaneously track aircraft and ships while guiding friendly forces.
Building the physical hardware is only half the battle; the true capability of the Netra Mk2 will depend on its software-defined architecture.
The private firm selected as the Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) will manage the entire software lifecycle.
Their tasks will include creating algorithms for complex signal processing, merging data from various sensors, and programming the radar to track everything from enemy fighter jets to stealthy targets and maritime vessels, even in environments experiencing heavy electronic jamming.
Because this software operates on military aircraft where errors can lead to mission failure, it must meet strict aviation safety standards, such as the DO-178C military-grade framework.
The developers must prove that their coding is completely reliable, resistant to technical faults, and highly secure against cyberattacks.
This cybersecurity element is crucial, as airborne command centers are high-value targets in modern electronic warfare.
Long before the software takes to the skies, it will be thoroughly tested on the ground.
Engineers will use a simulated "Ground Rig" that perfectly mimics the electronics, mission computers, and avionics of the Airbus A321.
This safe, controlled environment allows the team to find bugs, fix delays in data processing, and ensure the software works flawlessly with the hardware without risking an actual aircraft.
Completing these ground tests is a necessary step to reduce risks before actual flight trials, which are projected to commence between 2026 and 2027.
Once in the air, the radar software will be pushed to its limits to prove it can spot difficult targets, such as low-observable platforms and tiny drones, across various ranges and weather conditions.
Furthermore, the Netra Mk2 must seamlessly communicate with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
A stable, secure data connection is just as important as the radar's raw detection range, ensuring the aircraft can share a real-time battlefield picture with ground stations and other fighter jets.
This RFP highlights a structural shift in how India handles its defence acquisitions.
DRDO is effectively stepping back to act as a foundational technology anchor, while the private sector takes charge of actually realizing, manufacturing, and maintaining the systems over their lifetime.
The chosen partner will also help integrate other crucial components like communication links, command-and-control interfaces, and electronic warfare subsystems, turning the Airbus into a fully networked flying command post.
Efficient production and scalability remain central goals of this partnership.
The project involves a total of six Airbus A321 aircraft. The first two planes will be used primarily as testing platforms to finalize and validate the technology. Once proven, the private partner will lead the installation and integration of the systems on the remaining four aircraft.
This strategy is designed to speed up delivery times, ensure all planes are built to a standardized configuration, and prepare India's industrial base for any future expansions of the AEW&C fleet.
