Vinay Kumar
BENGALURU/NEW DELHI: The indigenously developed Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, which is India’s specialised “eye in the sky”, achieved a huge milestone Thursday when DRDO handed over the final operational clearance (FOC) certificate to IAF. FOC means the system is fully combat-ready after completing all trials and validations.Netra AEW&C is a specialised airborne radar and command centre designed to detect incoming projectiles, ships and aircraft at long ranges, differentiate friend from foe and direct friendly fighters in real time.It offers real-time battlefield management, 250-500+ km detection ranges and 300° to 360° radar coverage to track hostile aircraft, drones and missiles.Netra AEW&C uses the Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 aircraft as its platform, on which is mounted an active electronically scanned array radar in its dorsal fin.Three such aircraft were earlier delivered to IAF with an initial operation clearance and had played a key role as the operational brain guiding IAF during the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.Defence minister Rajnath Singh said the FOC marked “not only a technological milestone, but also a strategic advancement in strengthening India’s airborne surveillance and command-and-control capabilities”. Defence secretary and DRDO chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated DG (aero) and Team AEW&C.Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, deputy chief of the air staff, who was present at the ceremony in Bengaluru, said: “It’s a proud moment. This isn’t merely the culmination of an indigenous technology programme, but a celebration of the unique partnership between IAF and the scientific community in fulfilling India’s quest for Atmanirbharta.”In a video message, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, CIDS, said the achievement assumed greater significance amid a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. He also welcomed the planned expansion of Netra programme through the induction of six additional aircraft.
