Industry Odisha Bureau, July 25: India’s Netra MK2 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft is all set to become one of the country’s most advanced surveillance platforms. Each aircraft will carry more than 100 radars, sensors, antennas and electronic warfare systems, as per official reports.
The Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) has signed a contract with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) to develop and produce the indigenous mission systems. The agreement also covers long term logistics, maintenance, repairs and technical support for up to 30 years.
CABS has also partnered with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) to convert six Airbus A321 aircraft acquired by the Indian Air Force from Air India into military platforms.
Now, engineers will first remove the aircraft’s commercial interiors, including seats and cabin fittings, to create “green aircraft.” Airbus will then carry out structural and aerodynamic modifications at its facility in Spain. These changes include reinforcing the airframe and upgrading power and cooling systems to support advanced surveillance equipment.
After the modifications, the aircraft will receive India’s indigenous mission suite. The integrated systems will enable NETRA MK2 to detect, identify and track multiple aerial and maritime threats simultaneously. The platform will also function as an airborne command-and-control centre with 360-degree surveillance.
The first three aircraft will undergo mission system integration with Airbus support. Later, the aircraft will increasingly be integrated in India by ADSTL, helping build domestic expertise in advanced airborne surveillance technologies.
