Indian Air Force Plans To Procure 12 Early Warning Aircraft To Address Shortage, DAC Approval Expected Soon

The Indian Air Force (IAF), which currently faces a shortage of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, a crucial force multiplier, is planning to procure 12 such systems through two separate programs.

One initiative involves the acquisition of six additional AEW&C systems mounted on Embraer aircraft, similar to the three Netra systems already in service, The Hindu reported.

The second program focuses on six new AEW&C systems under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which will be mounted on Airbus A-321 aircraft.

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh expects that the Defence Acquisition Council will soon approve it. The six more Embraer-based AEW&C will be designated Mk1A, featuring minor equipment upgrades.

"The idea is to buy the aircraft from Embraer, and being modified by DRDO, Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) will be doing the modifications. It is a proven design with minimum risk involved and maximum output," he said. 

Regarding the second program, the Air Chief explained that the Airbus-based AEW&C Mk2 is in the contract negotiation phase, with Airbus responsible for aircraft modifications and DRDO for equipment development.

Six Airbus A-321 aircraft, previously transferred from Air India to the IAF, are awaiting modification once the contract is finalised. However, the complexity of required changes has delayed both negotiations and the project.

In addition to these systems, the IAF operates three Israeli Phalcon AWACS, which provide 360-degree coverage. In contrast, the Netra AEW&C systems offer 240-degree coverage.

The need for more AEW&C systems was acutely felt during the February 2019 aerial engagement with Pakistan, following the Balakot airstrikes. A long-pending proposal to acquire two more Israeli Phalcons has yet to materialise.

In July, the IAF issued a 'Request for Information' (RFI) for six new AEW&C systems. These systems are required to feature a 4D AESA radar with 360-degree coverage and a range of at least 400 km.

They need to be capable of detecting airborne targets at altitudes ranging from 30 meters to 20 kilometers. The platform must also include endurance of over eight hours, an operational altitude of 40,000 feet, air-to-air refueling, and fuel-dumping capabilities.