First indigenous AEW&C aircraft inducted by IAF

The first indigenous AEW&C aircraft, based on the Embraer EMB-145 regional airliner, was officially handed over by the Minsiter of Defence to the Air Chief at Yelahanka on 14 February, during the Aero India show ( photo below). All on-board sensors and equipment, including the all-important dorsal AESA array, have been developed and produced in India by the Centre for Air-Borne Systems (CABS). The system achieved Initial Operating

Capability (IOC) mere “days before the show”, and while Final Operating Clearance (FOC) is expected to take more time, the system as presently configured has been “deemed adequate” for the IAF’s pressing need for greater airborne surveillance and control. The modifications required for FOC will reportedly only entail “software and avionics changes” and will not involve any further physical modifications to the platform. The aircraft has been named ‘Netra’ (eyes) and will enter service with No.200 Squadron IAF, a new raising.

Later, at his press conference, the Defence Minister accepted that the need for more numbers of AEW&C aircraft is pressing and that “while the indigenous route will take several years, serviceability of the existing fleet is being improved upon while there are new proposals for additional platforms.”