India Plans Development of 3 New Advanced Spy Planes for Defense Forces

Defense News ,India :- India is working on a significant upgrade for its defense forces by creating three new spy planes. These planes will have the ability to closely monitor enemy communications and conduct extensive surveillance missions over long distances.

The project aims to use mostly Indian-made technology and equipment, enhancing the country's self-reliance in defense capabilities. The proposal, also known as signal intelligence and communication jamming system aircraft, is currently in an advanced stage and is expected to receive clearance next week, according to defense officials.

The Defence Research and Development Laboratory and the Indian Air Force are collaborating on the project, utilizing an Airbus-319 class aircraft. The procurement of the aircraft platform will be done through a tender to be issued to aircraft manufacturers, the officials mentioned.

The need for these spy planes has been longstanding, and the project specifications have now been finalized. The Centre for Airborne Studies is overseeing the initiative, working on various development projects, including the next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control systems.

The Indian Air Force's plans also include the purchase of six additional AEW&C aircraft based on the Embraer platform. Moreover, there are efforts to develop indigenous Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) aircraft, Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Mark 1A aircraft on the Embraer legacy jet plane platform, AEWC Mark 2 on Airbus 321 jets, and a Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance project for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy.

Director General Rakesh Pal of the Indian Coast Guard recently emphasized that the C-295-based maritime surveillance aircraft will significantly enhance the force's ability to monitor Indian territory independently.