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13 June 2026 2 views

DRDO's Netra AEW&C System — Operational Clearance

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theIAShub
13 Jun, 2026
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DRDO's Netra AEW&C System — Operational Clearance
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Indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform — provides 360-degree aerial surveillance and command capabilities for Indian Air Force (IAF).

Why in News

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)'s Netra AEW&C system has received full operational clearance from the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2026, marking a milestone in indigenization of critical defence systems.

Key Facts

  • Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru.
  • Platform: Mounted on Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet (Brazilian aircraft modified in India).
  • Primary role: Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) — detects aerial threats, coordinates air operations, provides battlespace awareness. (UPSC Mains Usage: Link to GS3 — Internal Security, Defence Technology)
  • Surveillance range: Approximately 300–350 km for aerial targets; 360-degree coverage using active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
  • Radar system: Indigenous S-band AESA radar developed by DRDO — can track multiple targets simultaneously.
  • Operational altitude: Typically 30,000–35,000 feet; endurance of 4–5 hours.
  • Number in service: 3 Netra AEW&C aircraft currently operational with IAF; plans to induct 2 more under Phase-II.
  • Comparative systems: Complements larger DRDO AWACS (India) (mounted on A-50 platform) and Israeli Phalcon AWACS used by IAF.
  • Strategic significance: Reduces dependence on foreign AEW&C systems; enhances IAF's ability to monitor Pakistan and China borders in real-time. (UPSC Mains Usage: Link to GS3 — Indigenization, Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence)

Quick Revision Box

Term

Detail

Netra AEW&C

Indigenous airborne surveillance and command system

Developed By

DRDO's CABS (Bengaluru)

Platform Aircraft

Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet

Radar Type

S-band AESA radar (360-degree coverage)

Surveillance Range

300–350 km for aerial targets

Operational Altitude

30,000–35,000 feet

Current Fleet

3 aircraft (IAF); 2 more planned

Clearance Date

June 2026 (full operational clearance)


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