Airborne Early Warning & Control system ‘Netra’
Why in News?
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) officially handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate for the indigenous ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 25, 2026.
System Development & Platform
- Nodal Agency: Formally developed by CABS, a specialized laboratory under the DRDO, in extensive collaboration with the IAF and domestic industrial vendors.
- Aircraft Base: The complex system is mounted atop the modified Brazilian Embraer EMB-145I commercial regional jet platform.
- Timeline: The mega-defence project was initiated with government approval in 2004. It achieved its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in October 2017.
Technical Capabilities
- Radar Suite: It utilizes a state-of-the-art, indigenously designed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar housed inside its dorsal fin.
- Tracking Coverage: The primary dorsal radar gives an electronic scanning reach covering a 240-to-300-degree window.
- Detection & Target Handling: It functions as a flying command center, capable of simultaneously monitoring over 200 to 250 hostile aerial contacts—including cruise missiles, low-flying stealth drones, and naval ships.
- Range Capacity: The primary radar system reliably scans airspace at distances ranging between 250 to 375+ kilometers.
- Electronics & Communications: Outfitted with advanced Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, mission computers, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), and encrypted voice/data links.
Operational History & Future Upgrades
- Battle-Proven Pedigree: Operated by the No. 200 Squadron out of Bhisiana, Punjab, the pre-FOC aircraft played a vital tactical role guiding fighter aircraft during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes and Operation Sindoor.
- Strategic Role: Serves as a dynamic airborne battlefield manager to direct friendly aircraft, identify targets, and fill vital radar blind spots left by stationary ground stations.
- Next-Gen Scaling: Building on this FOC success, DRDO is concurrently advancing the Netra Mk-II system. It will feature Gallium Nitride (GaN) based multi-sensor radars integrated onto modified Airbus A321 platforms for absolute 300-degree tracking coverage.
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