India’s Eyes In The Sky: DRDO Hands Over Second Netra AEW&CS System To Indian Air Force

In a boost to India’s air borne surveillance capability, the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over the second Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF), ET reports.

The system consisting of an indigenously developed AESA radar mounted on an Embraer 145 aircraft was handed over to the Western Air Command Chief at the Bhatinda air base.

The new aircraft will help India address its capability asymmetry with China and Pakistan in this crucial area of modern warfare. The Netra system had earlier helped India plan and execute the Balakot airstrikes deep within Pakistani territory.

The system will also help complement the three Israeli Falcon AEWACS systems in the IAF fleet, with reports of Indian plans to induct 2 more AWACS systems doing the rounds. By some estimates, India needs at least 20 of such surveillance systems to develop adequate defensive and offensive capability as the IAF guards the Eastern and Western fronts.