DRDO to Develop More Capable Mission Suite for Upcoming IAF Six Additional AWACS
Defense News ,India :- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on upgrading six additional Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) to boost their operational capabilities. These new systems, known as mission suites, are set to be installed on Embraer-145 aircraft, which are being acquired from the secondary market. The Indian Air Force (IAF) already has two such aircraft, called Netra, in service since 2017 and 2019.
The upgraded mission suite, named MK-1A, is being developed in collaboration with the industry. The technical requirements for this suite have been outlined by DRDO scientists. It will include various components like an advanced radar system, communication systems, electronic support measures, and defensive countermeasures.
The new AWACS, often referred to as 'an eye in the sky,' will play a crucial role in monitoring and identifying multiple airborne platforms, collecting intelligence signals, and coordinating with both airborne and ground-based weapon systems. The Embraer-145 aircraft will undergo structural modifications to integrate the mission suite, which will then be tested by DRDO in partnership with other labs and industrial collaborators.
Notably, the Netra AWACS was employed in combat during the Balakote operations in 2019. Besides the Embraer-145 aircraft, the IAF operates Russian-origin Beriev A-50 AWACS and has recently acquired Airbus A320 and A319 passenger liners, which will be modified to serve intelligence gathering and electronic warfare purposes.
While the IAF's current fleet of AWACS is relatively small, both China and Pakistan have larger fleets of similar systems. China possesses various AWACS platforms, including Shaanxi KJ-500 and KJ-200, while Pakistan operates Chinese ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle and Swedish SAAB-2000 Erieye platforms. The ongoing developments aim to enhance India's airborne surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in the face of regional challenges.
