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Relevance: GS Paper III — Defence Technology, Indigenisation, Network-Centric Warfare Source: DRDO, MoD, PTI · June 2026

1 · What happened

On 25 June 2026, India’s homegrown Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system received its Final Operational Clearance (FOC) at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru. The certificate, handed over by Deputy Air Chief Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, confirms the system is fully combat-ready.

Currently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) operates three Netra Mk-1 aircraft (built on Embraer ERJ-145 jets). They are based at Bhisiana Air Force Station in Punjab. With this milestone, India firmly establishes itself within an elite, small group of nations capable of building indigenous AEW&C tech.

2 · What is an AEW&C system?

Think of an AEW&C as a flying radar station and command center. It flies high in the sky to detect enemy jets, missiles, and drones much earlier than ground radars can. It then acts as a real-time battle manager, guiding our own fighter jets to intercept threats.

Platform
Indian Tech on a Brazilian Jet
Netra is built by DRDO’s CABS lab. It is mounted on a Brazilian Embraer ERJ-145 jet that has been heavily modified to carry a massive radar dome and mid-air refueling gear.
Proven in action
From Balakot to Sindoor
Netra successfully guided our fighter jets during the 2019 Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor in 2025, providing a clear, live picture of enemy airspace.
What it carries
Advanced 240-Degree Radar
It carries a homegrown AESA radar (covering 240 degrees), secure data links to share information instantly, and a system to automatically tell friendly jets apart from enemies (IFF).
Capability gap
Falling Behind Rivals
India operates just 3 Netras and 3 Israeli Phalcon AWACS. In contrast, China has over 30 and Pakistan has around 10. Experts warn India urgently needs a minimum of 12 such aircraft.

  • Netra Mk-1A (Upgrades Coming): Approved in March 2025, six more Embraer jets will get upgraded radars and stronger electronic warfare tools to survive modern battles.
  • Netra Mk-2 (AWACS-India): In July 2025, a massive ₹19,000 crore project was approved. Six second-hand Air India Airbus A321 jets will be modified in Spain. They will offer a wider 300-degree radar coverage, with the first delivery expected by 2033.
  • Honouring a Sacrifice: The FOC was dedicated to eight heroes (IAF and DRDO staff) who tragically died in 1999 when India’s very first early warning prototype crashed in Tamil Nadu.

UPSC Value Box (Simple Terms)
AEW&C vs AWACS AWACS is simply the larger, more powerful “big brother” of AEW&C, usually offering a full 360-degree radar view.
CABS & LRDE The two main DRDO labs in Bengaluru. CABS designed the Netra system, and LRDE built its radar.
AESA Radar A highly advanced radar with no moving parts. It tracks targets instantly and is very hard for enemies to jam.
IFF Identification Friend or Foe. A digital handshake that stops friendly jets from accidentally shooting each other.
CCS & DAC The highest government bodies (Cabinet Committee on Security & Defence Acquisition Council) that approve military purchases.
Phalcon AWACS An Israeli radar system fitted on massive Russian IL-76 cargo planes. India uses three of these for 360-degree coverage.

MCQ Practice Question
Q. With reference to India’s Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, consider the following statements:

  1. The Netra Mk-1 is developed by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru, a laboratory under DRDO.
  2. The Netra Mk-1 provides 360-degree radar coverage, similar to the Israeli Phalcon AWACS used by India.
  3. The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the Netra Mk-2 (AWACS-India) project, which will use modified Airbus A321 aircraft.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only    (b) 2 and 3 only    (c) 1 and 3 only    (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

  • Statement 1 is Correct: CABS is the primary DRDO laboratory responsible for creating the Netra system.
  • Statement 2 is Incorrect (The Trap!): Netra Mk-1 only provides 240-degree coverage. Only the larger Israeli Phalcon AWACS gives India full 360-degree coverage. UPSC often swaps these numbers.
  • Statement 3 is Correct: The Netra Mk-2 project will indeed use modified Airbus A321 passenger jets to create more powerful radar planes.
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