Latest news with #AwacsIndia
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Netra MkII AWACS project: India to develop next-gen airborne warning systems to boost IAF's long-range surveillance; Rs 20,000 crore project approved
Netra MkII AWACS project The Indian government has approved an approximately Rs 20,000 crore AWACS project, a major step toward boosting the Indian Air Force's airborne surveillance and early warning capabilities. Under this programme, India will develop next-generation indigenous airborne early warning and control systems (AEW&C), positioning the country among a select group with advanced homegrown military radar technology. The programme, also known as Netra MkII, is being spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which will work with several Indian companies and Airbus. It is being developed alongside DRDO's recently cleared fifth-generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft project, as reported by ET. Under Awacs India, six large airborne warning systems will be developed. These will be capable of tracking enemy aircraft, ground sensors, and other equipment over long distances, while also functioning as airborne command centres. The systems will be installed on Airbus A321 aircraft, with complex antennas and advanced technologies integrated on board. This marks the first time an Airbus platform is being used for such a role, traditionally dominated by Boeing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo The IAF already has six A321 aircraft, previously acquired from Air India. These will undergo significant structural modifications, including the addition of a dorsal radar fin that will provide 360-degree radar coverage. The project, expected to be completed in about three years, will feature fully indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and mission control systems, reported the financial daily. It is also expected to give Indian firms valuable experience in developing and integrating complex defence technologies. The IAF currently operates smaller Netra early warning aircraft, which have proved effective in past conflicts with Pakistan. In addition, it uses three IL76-based Phalcon systems developed in collaboration with Israel and Russia, though these have faced technical and operational challenges. The Awacs India project may also open up future export opportunities as India strengthens its position in high-end defence manufacturing. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
India.com
6 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Modi govt masterstroke to shock Pakistan and China! clears Rs 200000000000 project, Indian Air Force will get six large…, to be developed by…
In a major boost to India's defense preparedness, the government has cleared a Rs 20,000 crore project to develop six next-generation Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AWACS), known as Awacs India . It will be made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to enhance the Indian Air Force's (IAF) surveillance and battlefield management capabilities, reported Economic Times. Indian Air Force Big Project DRDO will team up with Indian companies and Airbus to equip Airbus A321 aircraft with indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems and mission control equipment. These aircraft, six of which have already been procured from Air India, will undergo heavy modifications like the installation of a dorsal radar dome, to allow 360-degree radar coverage. Once operational, these large AWACS platforms will be able to detect and track enemy aircraft, ground-based assets, and electronic signals across vast distances. They will also serve as airborne command centres, providing real-time situational awareness and coordination in contested airspace. What Is Netra MkII? Dubbed Netra MkII is a new generation of AWACS and is expected to be operational within three years. The programme will give Indian firms valuable experience in the development and integration of complex defense technologies from domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities. This is the first time that an Airbus platform is being adapted for such a role globally as this domain was historically dominated by Boeing potentially opening doors for future exports. Currently, the IAF operates smaller Netra systems and three IL-76-based 'Phalcon' AWACS developed in collaboration with Israel and Russia. However, the Phalcon systems faced technical and availability issues. The new indigenous platform is expected to offer improved performance, reliability, and maintainability. The approval for Awacs India after the recent greenlight for DRDO's fifth-generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft (AMCA) prototype shows India' is trying to become self-reliant in critical defense technologies.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
IAF to get six desi eyes in the sky that can track China, Pakistan activity from hundreds of km away
India has given final financial approval to a Rs 20,000 crore project to build six new airborne early warning and control systems ( Awacs India ) for the Indian Air Force (IAF), significantly boosting its ability to monitor enemy activity deep inside hostile territory. These aircraft will act as the country's 'big eyes in the sky', capable of tracking threats from hundreds of kilometres away. New Awacs aircraft to monitor skies, ground, and act as control centre As per an ET report by Mannu Pubby, the new Awacs, based on modified Airbus A321 planes, will be equipped with advanced radar and surveillance systems that can detect and monitor enemy aircraft, missile launches, and ground activity. They will also function as flying command centres, giving the IAF real-time control during air operations. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Finance Project Management Operations Management Product Management Technology Leadership Healthcare Data Analytics Degree Data Science Design Thinking PGDM CXO Digital Marketing Data Science Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity healthcare MBA MCA others Management Public Policy Others Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 9 Months IIM Calcutta SEPO - IIMC CFO India Starts on undefined Get Details The six aircraft have already been acquired from Air India. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will now work with Airbus and Indian companies to integrate a complex radar dome and mission systems onboard. Top-mounted radar for all-round surveillance Each aircraft will undergo major structural changes, including the installation of a dorsal radar dome on the fuselage. This setup allows for 360-degree radar coverage over long ranges. The aircraft will also carry fully indigenous AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radars and mission control systems. Timeline and strategic boost The project is expected to be completed in three years. Once operational, the new Awacs will add strategic depth to India's defence surveillance network and reduce dependence on foreign platforms. This is also the first time an Airbus aircraft will be used in such a role in India, with Boeing systems dominating the space globally. Live Events You Might Also Like: ₹20,000 crore project: Indigenous Awacs gets go-ahead, to be developed by DRDO Officials see export potential for the indigenous systems once development and integration are completed. Home-made Awacs India programme The Awacs India programme, also called Netra MkII, is led by DRDO. It follows another recent approval given to the agency to build prototypes of India's fifth-generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft. India currently operates smaller Netra systems, which played a key role in past standoffs with Pakistan. The IAF also uses three IL76-based Phalcon systems developed with Israel and Russia, but they have faced technical and maintenance issues. With the new approval, India aims to develop a more reliable, domestically built airborne surveillance system capable of keeping a constant watch on both China and Pakistan's military activity. How AWACS works thousands of km above ground in air Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) are specially modified aircraft fitted with powerful radars that can detect and track enemy aircraft, drones, and missile launches from hundreds of kilometres away. The system provides 360-degree surveillance of the airspace and relays real-time information to ground stations and fighter aircraft. This helps air forces detect threats early, identify targets, and respond faster during operations. AWACS aircraft act like flying command centres, equipped with advanced communication and data-link systems that allow them to coordinate air battles, guide interceptor jets to targets, and monitor enemy movements over both land and sea. The radar, usually mounted in a dome on top of the aircraft, scans the skies continuously, even tracking low-flying or stealthy targets that ground-based radars may miss. By staying airborne for long durations, AWACS extends the visibility and control range of the air force deep into enemy territory. Indian AWACS: Netra Series and Future Generations Netra Mk 1 – India's First Indigenous AWACS India's first indigenously developed Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C), named Netra, was formally handed over to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2017. It flies on an Embraer EMB‑145 platform, with a radar coverage of about 240° and tracking range between 250 km and 375 km, depending on the target's radar signature. The aircraft includes AESA radar, secondary surveillance radar, electronic support, identification friend or foe (IFF), satellite datalinks, and self‑protection systems including missile‑warning receivers and air‑to‑air refuelling for extended missions. Awacs Operational Use and Significance Netra played a critical role during the 2019 Balakot airstrike, offering real‑time surveillance and coordination of IAF assets. It has also been deployed to monitor sensitive regions such as the Ladakh area during standoffs with China. Netra Mk 1A Netra Mk 1A variant has enhanced mission suite, upgraded sensors, GaN‑based AESA radar, better human‑machine interface, and tighter integration into IAF systems. Expected to maintain the same 240° radar coverage but with longer range (approx. 450 km) and better detection of low‑observability aircraft like drones and stealth jets. Around six Netra Mk 1A units are planned under procurement (estimated value Rs 9,000 crore). Netra Mk 2: The Six Big Eyes in the Sky Netra Mk 2, based on the Airbus A321 platform, is India's next‑generation AEW&C. This version will feature 300° radar coverage, GaN‑based AESA radar with a detection range over 500 km, and improved all‑round situational awareness, including drone and low‑RCS aerial threats Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026–27, with the full six‑aircraft fleet inducted by the end of the decade.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
₹20,000 crore project: Indigenous Awacs gets go-ahead, to be developed by DRDO
India's Air Force will soon get six new, large Awacs. The government has approved the Awacs India project. DRDO will collaborate with Indian companies and Airbus. They will integrate advanced systems onto A321 aircraft. This project enhances India's defense capabilities. It also positions India among nations with indigenous Awacs technology. The project may also create export opportunities. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The government has given a go-ahead to the production of next generation airborne early warning and control systems (Awacs India) which will be a major force multiplier for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and propel India into a select league of nations with such indigenously developed the project, expected to cost around ₹20,000 crore, the IAF will get six large Awacs that will be capable of tracking enemy aircraft, ground sensors and other equipment at large distances, besides acting as a flying operations control the government clearances in place, the Defence Research and Development Organisation will work with a host of Indian companies as well as Airbus to integrate a complex antenna and other systems onboard the A321 already has six of the aircraft that were taken from Air India in the past. These aircraft will undergo complex structural modifications and integration of a range of systems, including a dorsal fin mounted on the top that will enable an all-round radar project is expected to take around three years for completion and would give Indian companies valuable expertise in working on complex systems from the development stage. It includes a fully indigenous mission control system and AESA India programme - also referred to as the Netra MkII - has been spearheaded by DRDO, which also recently got a go-ahead from the government to move into the prototype production stage for fifth generation Advanced Multirole Combat is also the first time that an Airbus platform will be used for such an application, marking an entry into a domain that has traditionally been dominated by Boeing. The project could also open up export opportunities for India in the future as air force currently operates the much smaller 'Netra' early warning aircraft, which have been successfully utilised in conflicts with Pakistan. It also has three IL76 'Phalcon' systems that were jointly developed with Israel and Russia but the fleet has faced major technical and availability issues.
