Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System

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The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) officially handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Netra is an indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system that functions as a flying radar station by detecting, tracking, and identifying airborne and maritime threats beyond the reach of ground-based radars.
The Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) under DRDO developed this system in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian defence industry partners.

The system aims to strengthen India's indigenous airborne surveillance capabilities and reduce dependence on imported AEW&C systems.
It also seeks to enhance the ability of the IAF to monitor borders, detect aerial threats, and support network-centric combat operations.

The system is built on a modified twin-engine Embraer ERJ-145 airframe featuring upgraded electrical, cooling, and aerodynamic systems for mission equipment.
A dorsal-mounted AESA radar provides 240°-270° coverage with a detection range of 250-375 km depending on target size.
It simultaneously detects and tracks over 200 aerial targets including fighter aircraft, cruise missiles, and UAVs.
The system integrates Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Communication Support Measures (CSM) to detect enemy radar and communication signals.
An In-Flight Refueling (IFR) probe enables the aircraft to undertake extended airborne surveillance missions.
An indigenous MK-XII(S) IFF system helps identify and classify friendly and hostile aircraft.
Secure and encrypted communication relies on Electronic Warfare (EW) systems and Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) for network-centric warfare.
A Ground Exploitation Station (GES) transfers real-time data through line-of-sight and satellite communication links to the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).

Netra proved its operational effectiveness during major missions including the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, the 2020 India-China standoff, and Operation Sindoor (2025).
Achieving Final Operational Clearance (FOC) places India among a select group of nations capable of developing and operating an indigenous Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system.