IAF to get next-gen surveillance boost as Rs 20,000-crore Awacs India gets green signal

Known as the Netra MkII, the Awacs India programme is led by DRDO

The government has approved the production of next-generation airborne early warning and control systems (Awacs India), marking a major milestone in India's defence capabilities. According to The Economic Times, the move will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operational reach and elevate India into an elite group of nations with indigenously developed airborne surveillance technology.

The project, with an estimated cost of around Rs 20,000 crore, will equip the IAF with six large Awacs platforms. These systems will be capable of detecting enemy aircraft, ground-based sensors, and other equipment over long distances, while also serving as airborne command and control centres.

With government approvals in place, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will collaborate with multiple Indian firms and Airbus to integrate a sophisticated radar antenna and related systems onto the A321 aircraft.

The IAF already possesses six A321 aircraft acquired earlier from Air India. These will undergo extensive structural modifications, including the installation of a dorsal radar fin, to enable full 360-degree radar coverage.

According to The Economic Times, the project is expected to be completed within three years and will give Indian companies critical hands-on experience in developing and integrating complex systems. The indigenous platform will feature a mission control system and advanced electronically scanned array (AESA) radars developed in India.

Known as the Netra MkII, the Awacs India programme is led by DRDO, which also recently received government approval to begin prototype production of India’s fifth-generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

This will also mark the first time an Airbus platform is being used for such a role, breaking into a space long dominated by Boeing. The move could pave the way for future export opportunities as well.

Currently, the IAF operates smaller Netra airborne warning systems, which have proven their utility during past engagements with Pakistan. In addition, the IAF has three IL-76-based 'Phalcon' systems developed in collaboration with Israel and Russia, though the fleet has faced significant availability and technical challenges.