The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed two major contracts for the development of the Netra Mk II airborne early warning and control system, according to DRDO. AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) will convert six Airbus A321 commercial aircraft into military-ready platforms, while Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd (ADSTL) has been selected as the development-cum-production partner for the mission systems integration.
Under the agreements, AIESL will modify the six Airbus A321 aircraft from commercial configuration into “green” military platforms that will serve as the base aircraft for the AEW&C Mk II system. ADSTL will collaborate with DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) to develop, integrate and produce the indigenous mission systems onboard the aircraft.
The Netra Mk II represents a significant leap over India’s current airborne surveillance capability. The existing Netra AEW&C system operates on smaller Embraer ERJ-145 jet platforms, which have proven effective but carry inherent limitations. The Airbus A321, a wide-body twin-engine narrow-body aircraft, offers substantially greater endurance, higher payload capacity and more onboard electrical power to support advanced mission systems.
This larger airframe will enable enhanced surveillance range, extended operational endurance and improved command-and-control architecture. The system will provide long-range aerial surveillance, early warning capabilities, battle management functions and secure communication networks, enabling the Indian Air Force to detect, track and coordinate responses against aircraft, missiles and other airborne threats over extended distances.
Modified aircraft will undergo comprehensive flight testing with the Indian Air Force before formal certification by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA). These dual certifications are mandatory milestones for all indigenous airborne platforms entering operational service.
The Netra Mk II programme aligns with India’s broader indigenisation strategy under Make in India, reducing dependence on foreign OEM solutions for critical airborne surveillance assets. CABS, established in the 1990s and headquartered in Bangalore, has previously delivered the original Netra AEW&C system and the indigenously developed Airborne Warning and Control System for naval operations.
Six aircraft platforms will provide the Indian Air Force with a force multiplier across multiple operational theatres, enhancing air defence capabilities, early warning coverage and command infrastructure. The programme underscores India’s commitment to developing next-generation indigenous aerospace systems alongside strategic partnerships with the private defence sector.
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