The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed two major contracts with AI engineering services ltd (AIESL) and Adani defence systems and technologies ltd (ADSTL) for the development of the airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) Mk II programme, marking a key milestone in India’s next-generation indigenous airborne surveillance aircraft.The Airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) Mk II, also known as Netra Mk II, is DRDO’s next-generation airborne surveillance and command aircraft being developed for the Indian Air Force. Designed as a larger and more capable successor to the existing Netra AEW&C system.It will provide long-range aerial surveillance, early warning, battle management and command-and-control capabilities, enabling the air force to detect, track and coordinate responses against aircraft, missiles and other airborne threats over extended distances.

Under the agreements, AIESL will convert six Airbus A321 aircraft from commercial into “green” platforms, while ADSTL has been selected as the development-cum-production partner (DcPP) for the AEW&C Mk II mission systems.As part of the programme, AIESL will modify the six Airbus A321 aircraft from their commercial configuration into military-ready platforms that will serve as the base aircraft for the AEW&C Mk II system.ADSTL will work with DRDO’s centre for air borne systems to develop, integrate and produce the indigenous mission systems onboard the aircraft.The modified platforms will undergo flight testing with the Indian Air Force before being certified by the Centre for military airworthiness and certification (CEMILAC) and the directorate general of aeronautical quality assurance (DGAQA).AEW&C Mk II System from DRDO with CABS as the nodal laboratory will provide enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communication, improved situational awareness and enhanced command and control capabilities. This, in turn, will give a significant boost to the air defence capabilities and aid in neutralising threats across extended ranges.It will provide long-range aerial surveillance, early warning, battle management and command-and-control capabilities, enabling the air force to detect, track and coordinate responses against aircraft, missiles and other airborne threats over extended distances.Unlike the current Netra aircraft based on the Embraer ERJ-145 jet, the AEW&C Mk II will be built on six Airbus A321 aircraft, offering greater endurance, higher payload capacity and more onboard power for advanced mission systems.