Explained | Netra AEW&C: India’s indigenous ‘eye in the sky’ that boosts air power
When the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) handed over the Final Operational Authorization (FOC) of the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the program achieved a major milestone in India’s drive for self-reliance in advanced aerospace and defense technologies.
The FOC comes nearly nine years after the system received an initial operational authorization (IOC) in 2017, confirming that the platform has completed an operational assessment and is ready for full service.
What is Netra AEW&C?
Netra is India’s first early warning and control (AEW&C) system developed in India. Mounted on the Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 aircraft, it functions as an airborne battle surveillance and control platform capable of detecting, tracking and identifying aerial threats at long ranges.
Unlike ground-based radars, which are limited by terrain and the curvature of the Earth, the AEW&C aircraft operates at high altitude, allowing it to monitor large stretches of airspace and detect aircraft, missiles and drones much earlier.
Often referred to as the “eye in the sky,” the system provides commanders with a real-time view of the aerial battlefield.
How does it work?
The aircraft is equipped with a domestic Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, one of the most advanced radar technologies today. Instead of rotating mechanically, the radar steers its beams electronically, allowing it to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously with greater speed and accuracy.
Netra also integrates several advanced mission systems, including Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Electronic Countermeasures (ECM), secure communication systems, Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) data links, and a suite of self-protection. The platform also has an air-to-air refueling capability, allowing it to remain airborne for extended surveillance missions.
Information from these sensors is processed using sophisticated mission software that fuses the data into a single operational picture, allowing operators to identify threats, assign targets and coordinate combat operations.
Why is this important?
Airborne early warning and control systems are considered force multipliers in modern warfare. They provide early warning of incoming aircraft, missiles and drones, while controlling friendly fighter jets and air defense assets during combat.
By acting as an airborne command and control center, Netra enhances situational awareness, supports network-oriented warfare and significantly improves the IAF’s ability to respond quickly to emerging threats.
The system is particularly valuable in managing large-scale air operations, monitoring border areas and providing surveillance over maritime areas where ground-based radar coverage is limited.
Senior IAF officials said the Netra proved its operational reliability during the Balakot airstrikes and also during Operation Sindoor. The platform provided 24/7 surveillance and increased situational awareness, demonstrating the maturity of the indigenous system under operational conditions.
FOC formally verifies the performance, reliability and operational capabilities of a system after years of testing and deployment.
The Netra program represents a successful collaboration between DRDO, the Indian Air Force, certification agencies such as CEMILAC and DGAQA and several Indian industry partners.
The development of an AEW&C platform requires expertise in many areas, including radar technology, electronic warfare, avionics, mission software, aircraft integration and systems engineering. The program included extensive all-weather flight testing prior to entry into service.
Its successful induction has significantly reduced India’s dependence on imported aerial surveillance platforms while strengthening the country’s indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem.
The IAF currently operates six airborne early warning aircraft, three indigenous Netra AEW&C systems and three Phalcon AWACS. Three Netra aircraft, flown by 200 Squadron from Bhisiana, Punjab, have already been operationally deployed, including during Operation Sindoor. FOC signifies the completion of all user trials and certifies the platform for full operational services.
The fleet is to be expanded to include six modernized Netra Mk-1A aircraft with improved electronic warfare systems, longer range radar and improved integration with the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). Further in the Rs 19,000 crore Netra Mk-2 programme, six Airbus A321-based AEW&C aircraft will be equipped with indigenous radars offering a detection range of over 500 km, wider coverage and greater mission resilience.
As modern battlefields witness the increasing use of stealth aircraft, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial systems, aerial surveillance platforms like Netra will play an increasingly important role in maintaining air superiority.
The FOC of Netra therefore not only marks the completion of a successful indigenous program but also an important step in building a more capable, network-oriented and self-sufficient Indian Air Force.
Published – 26 Jun 2026 14:57 IST