India Plans to Strengthen Air Surveillance with 12 New Indigenous AEW&C Aircraft

Defense NEws ,India :- In response to the evolving air surveillance capabilities of China and Pakistan, India is set to expand its airborne early-warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft fleet with the development and introduction of 12 additional units, as reported by the Times of India. This strategic initiative aims to bolster surveillance and detection along the borders with China and Pakistan, while also facilitating the guidance of friendly aircraft during aerial engagements.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are collaboratively working on the creation of six Mark-1A and six Mark-2 versions of the Netra AEW&C aircraft. The Netra-I Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft program, based on Brazilian Embraer aircraft, is also being revived by the IAF.

The decision to augment the AEW&C fleet was prompted by the IAF's realization of the need for more such aircraft during an aerial skirmish with Pakistani fighters in February 2019. The ongoing tensions with China in eastern Ladakh further underscored the importance of strengthening India's AEW&C capabilities.

The planned aircraft, based on Brazilian Embraer jets, will feature advanced active electronically scanned array antenna-based radars and sophisticated electronic and signal intelligence systems, amounting to an estimated cost of approximately Rs 9,000 crore.

The ongoing development includes six Mark-2 aircraft, equipped with larger and more capable AEW&C radars and sensors. These will be mounted on second-hand Airbus-321 planes acquired from Air India, with the project currently progressing at a cost of ₹10,990 crore. The first AEW&C Mark-2 aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2026-27, featuring a 300-degree radar coverage with an additional nose antenna.

The technology advancements achieved with the Mark-2 models will also be integrated into the MK-1A versions. These strategic projects are crucial for India, which aims to catch up with Pakistan and China in AEW&C and AWACS capabilities.

As of now, the IAF's fleet includes three Netra aircraft and three Israeli Phalcon AWACS systems mounted on Russian IL-76 transport aircraft. In comparison, Pakistan operates 11 Swedish Saab-2000 Erieye AEW&C and China possesses about 30 AEW&C aircraft.

The IAF's pursuit of additional AEW&C aircraft gained significance during the aerial engagement with Pakistani aircraft in 2019. The existing Netras and Phalcons are seamlessly integrated into the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), a fully-automated air defense network being expanded to unify various military and civilian radars for comprehensive airspace surveillance.

To address challenges posed by China and Pakistan, the IAF is concurrently upgrading its tactics and equipment, with plans to induct fighters, helicopters, missiles, and radars worth ₹2.5 to 3 lakh crore over the next few years.