In a major leap for India’s defense modernization, the government has sanctioned a ₹20,000 crore project to develop six next-generation NETRA Mk-2 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The project, a joint effort between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF), will see these state-of-the-art surveillance aircraft built on Airbus A321 platforms with indigenous AESA radars and advanced mission systems.
The NETRA Mk-2 is designed to surpass its predecessor in every operational aspect. It will feature longer detection range, superior tracking of aerial and maritime threats, and enhanced coordination capabilities across multiple platforms. These aircraft will be capable of monitoring regions up to 500 kilometers away, providing India with a strategic advantage along its northern borders and across the Indian Ocean.
Officials describe the NETRA Mk-2 as a game-changer for India’s situational awareness, helping the armed forces respond faster and more efficiently to emerging threats. The program also aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in defense technology and is expected to give a boost to the domestic aerospace sector. Initial test flights are projected by 2026, with full operational readiness anticipated within the next decade.
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