India has advanced the Netra MkII Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) programme into full-scale development, representing a significant step toward building a sovereign, network-centric airborne surveillance and command capability.
The programme marks a substantial evolution from the Netra MkI, which operated on the compact Embraer ERJ-145 platform. The new system will be built on modified Airbus A321 aircraft, enabling India to field a heavy-class Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) comparable to those operated by leading global air forces.
To support the programme, the Indian Air Force has acquired six retired Airbus A321 aircraft from Air India’s commercial fleet. The larger platform provides considerably greater onboard space, electrical power, cooling capacity, and mission endurance than its predecessor, allowing integration of more capable surveillance and command systems.
The expanded airframe will accommodate next-generation AESA radars, advanced electronic warfare suites, SIGINT payloads, mission operator stations, and future technology upgrades.
The Ministry of Defence and DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) have partnered with Airbus Defence and Space to carry out the aircraft’s structural transformation. The airframes will undergo military conversion at Airbus facilities in Europe, where passenger cabins will be removed, fuselage structures strengthened, and military-specific systems installed.
Upgraded Auxiliary Power Units will provide sufficient power for high-output radar systems and mission electronics, while redesigned interiors will house mission computers, communications equipment, command-and-control systems, and operator consoles.
Advanced Indigenous AWACS Platform
After completing structural modifications, the aircraft will return to India for installation of indigenous mission equipment. Adani Defence & Aerospace has reportedly been selected as the lead integration partner supporting DRDO and CABS throughout this phase.
Several Indian defence companies, including BEL and Astra Microwave, are expected to contribute radar technologies, communications equipment, signal-processing systems, and electronic warfare subsystems.
Beyond traditional airborne surveillance, the Netra MkII is being developed as a high-end airborne command-and-control platform capable of integrating seamlessly with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
Its primary dorsal-mounted GaN-based AESA radar is expected to provide 240–300 degrees of coverage, while an additional forward-facing radar is planned to improve frontal surveillance and create a near-complete air picture.
The adoption of Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology is expected to deliver higher power output, improved thermal efficiency, and greater radar performance than previous-generation systems. Current estimates suggest detection ranges exceeding 500 kilometres against large aircraft while retaining the ability to track low-observable targets such as drones, cruise missiles, and stealth aircraft.
The Airbus A321’s larger airframe also provides greater endurance, enabling missions lasting up to eight hours without aerial refuelling. Planned integration of air-to-air refuelling capability will further extend operational persistence during prolonged surveillance and combat operations.
The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved revised programme funding to support aircraft conversion, radar development, electronic warfare systems, SIGINT and ELINT integration, and indigenous mission equipment.
Programme schedules indicate that the first prototype could begin developmental flight trials between late 2026 and mid-2027, with testing focused on validating aircraft performance, radar integration, electromagnetic compatibility, structural integrity, cooling systems, and mission effectiveness before entering operational service.
