DRDO Hands Over Netra AEW&C FOC to IAF – Landmark in India’s Aerospace Self‑Reliance

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of the indigenous ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF), marking a landmark in India’s journey toward aerospace self‑reliance. The ceremony took place in Bengaluru on June 25, 2026, with senior defence leaders and scientists in attendance.

The Netra AEW&C system is India’s first fully indigenous airborne early warning and control platform, developed by DRDO over two decades. It received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017 and Final Operational Clearance (FOC) in June 2026, marking a major milestone in India’s defence self‑reliance.

DRDO Hands Over Final Operational Clearance of Netra AEW&C to IAF

Key Highlights of the Milestone

• Final Operational Clearance (FOC): Granted to the Netra AEW&C system, indigenously developed by DRDO in collaboration with IAF and industry partners.
• Operational Legacy: The system proved its reliability during Operation Sindoor (2025) and the Balakot strikes (2019), enhancing India’s airborne surveillance and battle management capabilities.
• Ceremonial Leadership: Presided over by Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, with participation from former IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria (Retd), former DRDO Chairman Dr S Christopher, and senior DRDO scientists.
• Indigenous Achievement: Represents a major stride in Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the vision of Viksit Bharat through advanced aerospace technologies.

Strategic Importance

• Enhanced Surveillance: Netra AEW&C provides 360° radar coverage, real‑time situational awareness, and command‑and‑control functions critical for modern warfare.
• Battlefield Flexibility: Indigenous design allows custom modifications to adapt to evolving war scenarios, ensuring operational agility.
• Self‑Reliance: Demonstrates India’s ability to design, test, and operationalize complex airborne systems without foreign dependence.

Contributions & Recognition

• System Engineering Excellence: Dr K Rajalakshmi Menon (DG Aeronautics Cluster, DRDO) highlighted the role of system engineering and flight‑test planning in achieving programme objectives.
• Electronics Innovation: Dr BK Das (DG Electronics Cluster, DRDO) emphasized stakeholder synergy as the cornerstone of success.
• Industry & Scientific Collaboration: Organisations and units pivotal to Netra’s success were felicitated, underscoring the ecosystem approach to defence innovation.

Broader Defence Context

• Operation Sindoor (2025): Netra AEW&C played a vital role in precision strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and PoK, showcasing India’s Made‑in‑India defence capabilities.
• DRDO’s Expanding Portfolio: Alongside Netra, DRDO has advanced systems like Astra Mk‑II BVRAAM, Anant Shastra QRSAM, and LRASSCM, reinforcing India’s defence modernization.

Leadership Endorsements

• Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh: Called the FOC a technological and strategic milestone, strengthening India’s airborne surveillance and command capabilities.
• Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh: Congratulated DRDO’s Aero Cluster and Team AEW&C for delivering an operationally capable system.

Brief History of Netra AEW&C

Origins and Early Development

• 1980s–1990s: India’s first attempt at airborne surveillance was the Airborne Surveillance Platform (ASP) project, codenamed Airavat.
• 1999 setback: A tragic crash of a modified HS‑748 Avro testbed near Arakkonam killed eight personnel, leading to suspension of the programme.
• 2003 revival: IAF and DRDO jointly studied requirements for a new AEW&C system.
• 2004 sanction: Government approved the AEW&C project, assigning primary responsibility to Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).

Platform and Technology

• Aircraft base: Mounted on Embraer EMB‑145I jets, procured in 2008 with modifications for in‑flight refueling and SATCOM.
• Radar: Equipped with Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar providing 240° coverage and detecting threats up to 375 km.
• Mission suite: Includes Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), secure datalinks, electronic support measures (ESM), and communication support measures.

Operational Milestones

• IOC (2017): Netra entered service with the IAF’s 200 Squadron.
• Combat use: Demonstrated reliability during the Balakot strikes (2019) and Operation Sindoor (2025).
• FOC (2026): Officially handed over to the IAF in Bengaluru, confirming full operational capability.

Legacy and Future

Netra’s journey reflects perseverance after setbacks, scientific innovation, and strong IAF‑DRDO collaboration. The programme has laid the foundation for future indigenous AEW&C variants with expanded coverage and endurance.

Conclusion

The Netra AEW&C system evolved from India’s abandoned 1999 ASP project into a fully operational indigenous airborne surveillance platform by 2026. It now stands as a symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, strengthening India’s aerial command‑and‑control capabilities.

The FOC of Netra AEW&C is more than a technological achievement—it is a strategic leap in India’s defence preparedness, symbolizing the synergy of science, industry, and armed forces. It strengthens India’s aerial command‑and‑control capabilities while advancing the nation’s vision of self‑reliance in defence technologies.