IAF Gets Final Operational Clearance For Indigenous Netra AEW&C System, Proven In Balakot And Op Sindoor

Published 25 June 2026 · local

IAF Gets Final Operational Clearance For Indigenous Netra AEW&C System, Proven In Balakot And Op Sindoor Published By, Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 19:08 IST

IAF Gets Final Operational Clearance For Indigenous Netra AEW&C System, Proven In Balakot And Op Sindoor Published By, Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 19:08 IST Netra AEW and C system gets Final Operational Clearance, giving the IAF a fully certified indigenous airborne early warning platform after proven use in Balakot and Op Sindoor. Rapid Read Netra AEW and C system gets Final Operational Clearance, giving the IAF a fully certified indigenous airborne early warning platform after proven use in Balakot and Op Sindoor. (Image: IAF) The Indian Air Force has received Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the indigenously developed Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, marking a major milestone for India’s airborne surveillance and battle-management capabilities. The FOC certificate was handed over to the IAF on June 25 at a ceremony in Bengaluru attended by Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, DRDO officials, former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd) and industry partners. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) in partnership with the IAF and Indian industry, Netra is designed to provide long-range surveillance, situational awareness and command-and-control support during air operations.

From IOC In 2017 To Full Operational Clearance The Netra programme received Initial Operational Clearance in 2017. The FOC now formally certifies the system for full operational use after years of flight testing, upgrades and validation in service. Officials said the programme’s progression from concept to operational deployment was driven by coordination between the IAF, DRDO, airworthiness agencies and industry partners. How Netra Works Netra is an airborne radar and command platform built around an Embraer EMB-145 aircraft. It carries an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar mounted on top of the fuselage, allowing it to scan wide areas of airspace and detect, track and identify aerial targets. Unlike ground-based radar, an AEW&C aircraft operates at altitude, allowing it to see farther over terrain and provide a broader picture of aircraft, drones and other airborne activity. It can also share real-time information with fighter jets, ground stations and other military assets. The system is intended to strengthen the IAF’s ability to monitor airspace, coordinate intercept missions and manage complex air operations. Operational History: Balakot To Operation Sindoor According to the Ministry of Defence, the Netra AEW&C system has already demonstrated its operational utility and reliability during the Balakot strikes and Operation Sindoor.