Explained | Netra AEW&C: India’s indigenous ‘eye in the sky’ that strengthens air power
With the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handing over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)
With the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handing over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the programme has reached a major milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in advanced aerospace and defence technologies. The FOC comes nearly nine years after the system received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017, certifying that the platform has completed operational evaluation and is ready for full-fledged service. What is Netra AEW&C? Netra is India’s first indigenously developed Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. Mounted on the Brazilian-made Embraer EMB-145 aircraft, it functions as an airborne surveillance and battle management platform capable of detecting, tracking and identifying airborne threats over long distances. Unlike ground-based radars, which are limited by terrain and the Earth’s curvature, an AEW&C aircraft operates at high altitude, enabling it to monitor vast stretches of airspace and detect aircraft, missiles and drones much earlier. Often referred to as an “eye in the sky”, the system provides commanders with a real-time picture of the aerial battlefield.
How does it work? The aircraft is equipped with an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, one of the most advanced radar technologies available today. Instead of mechanically rotating, the radar electronically steers its beams, allowing it to detect and track multiple targets simultaneously with greater speed and accuracy. Netra also integrates several advanced mission systems, including Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR), Electronic Support Measures (ESM), Electronic Counter Measures (ECM), secure communication systems, Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) data links, and a self-protection suite. The platform also has air-to-air refuelling capability, allowing it to remain airborne for extended surveillance missions. Information from these sensors is processed through sophisticated mission software that fuses data into a single operational picture, enabling operators to identify threats, assign targets and coordinate combat operations. Why is it important? Airborne Early Warning and Control systems are considered force multipliers in modern warfare. They provide early warning of incoming aircraft, missiles and drones while directing friendly fighter aircraft and air defence assets during combat. By acting as an airborne command and control centre, Netra enhances situational awareness, supports network-centric warfare and significantly improves the IAF’s ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats.
The BriefWire