New Delhi: In a major leap toward enhancing national air defense capabilities, India is preparing to induct six state-of-the-art AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft into its Air Force fleet under the ambitious Netra Mk-2 program, developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The project, valued at ₹20,000 crore, underscores India’s growing self-reliance in defense technology.
The advanced AWACS aircraft will be capable of detecting enemy aircraft from long distances, thanks to cutting-edge electronic scanning array radars and sensors integrated into the system. These aircraft serve as flying command centers, capable of tracking aerial threats in real-time and coordinating defensive responses, providing a decisive edge in modern aerial warfare. Their utility was already showcased during Operation Sindoor, where AWACS played a pivotal role in monitoring enemy movement.
To bring this vision to life, DRDO has collaborated with Airbus and several Indian defense firms to fit powerful radar systems onto six Airbus A321 aircraft previously procured from Air India. These platforms are undergoing significant structural modifications, including the integration of dome-mounted radar systems that ensure 360-degree radar coverage in any combat environment.
One of the standout features of the Netra Mk-2 is its indigenous mission control system, seamlessly integrated with locally developed radar antennae. With these enhancements, India now joins a select group of countries capable of developing and deploying their own high-performance AWACS platforms.
According to defense sources, these aircraft will become a core asset in India’s air defense architecture, bolstering surveillance, early warning, and command capabilities across the nation's airspace especially in conflict-prone border areas.
This marks a significant stride in India's efforts toward Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in the defense sector and enhances the strategic readiness of the Indian Air Force in an increasingly complex regional security environment.