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.

France’s MBDA, India’s Air Force Partner on MICA Missile Hub

French defence firm MBDA has signed a landmark agreement with the Indian Air Force (IAF) to establish a local Maintenance, Repair, and Mid-Life Overhaul (MRO) facility for MICA missiles in India. This move will drastically reduce dependence on overseas support, improve turnaround times, and strengthen India’s defence self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

• Facility Ownership: The MRO center will be set up, operated, and maintained by the IAF, ensuring sovereign control.
• MBDA’s Role: MBDA will provide industrial machinery, specialized tools, technical data packages, training, and technical support.
• Scope: Covers maintenance, repair, and mid-life overhaul of MICA missiles, ensuring lifecycle support within India.
• Strategic Impact: Enhances fleet readiness, operational flexibility, and reduced logistical complexity by eliminating overseas servicing.
• Alignment: Directly supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, fostering indigenous defence sustainment capabilities.

Why It Matters

• Operational Readiness: Faster servicing means quicker missile availability during high-tempo operations or crises.
• Self-Reliance: Builds long-term technical expertise and reduces reliance on foreign repair cycles.
• Strategic Autonomy: Strengthens India’s ability to sustain advanced missile systems independently.
• Economic Impact: Supports growth of India’s domestic aerospace and defence ecosystem.

About the MICA Missile

MICA Missile 

• Variants:
  • MICA-RF (active radar seeker)
  • MICA-IR (imaging infrared seeker)
• Capabilities: Fire-and-forget, dual seeker, effective at short and beyond-visual ranges (60–80 km).
• Speed: Up to Mach 4 with a 12 kg high-explosive warhead.
• Platforms: Integral to Rafale and upgraded Mirage 2000 fleets of the IAF.

This agreement is a strategic milestone for India’s defence ecosystem, ensuring faster missile servicing, reduced foreign dependency, and enhanced combat readiness. It also reflects MBDA’s long-standing partnership with India, now evolving into deeper sustainment collaboration.

However, despite the agreement India will not gain rights to produce MICA missiles; new units and upgrades must still be purchased from MBDA. Agreement covers maintenance and overhaul only, not manufacturing.

While reduced, India remains reliant on MBDA for future missile developments.

IAF Invites Industry and Academia to Mehar Baba Competition‑3 for Swarm Drone Radar Development

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially launched the third edition of the Mehar Baba Competition (MBC‑3), themed “Collaborative Drone‑Based Surveillance Radars.” Registration begins on 27 April 2026, inviting Indian industries, start‑ups, academic institutions, and research establishments to participate in developing swarm drone radar systems for contested environments.

Key Highlights of MBC‑3

• Announced by: Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth at Aero India 2025
• Theme: Collaborative swarm of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) functioning as airborne radar to detect, track, and report aerial targets
• Objective: Provide accurate target location to a centralised monitoring station in contested environments
• Registration: Opens 27 April 2026 via the official IAF portal Vision Document
• Support: Meritorious participants will receive development funding from IAF; top three winners will be awarded

Legacy of Mehar Baba Competition

• Launch Year: 2018, as an IAF initiative to encourage indigenous aviation technology development
• Economic Impact: Generated orders worth approximately ₹2000 crore for India’s unmanned systems industry
• Previous Editions:
  • MBC‑1 (2018): Swarm Drones for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Operations
  • MBC‑2 (2022–2024): Swarm Drone‑Based Foreign Object Debris Detection on Aircraft Operating Surfaces. Winners included Ayaan Autonomous Systems (Pune) and Fleet RF Pvt Ltd (Greater Noida)

Honouring Air Commodore Mehar Singh (“Mehar Baba”)

• Born: 1915, Lyallapur (now Faisalabad, Pakistan)
• Career: Joined Royal Air Force College, Cranwell in 1934
• Distinctions:
  • Awarded Distinguished Service Order (DSO) at age 29 for leadership and bravery
  • First IAF officer to receive the Maha Vir Chakra (MVC)
  • Led mission carrying the first Indian Army contingent to Srinagar in 1947
  • First to land at Leh airstrip, then the highest in the world

Why MBC‑3 Matters

• Strategic Innovation: Strengthens India’s defence capabilities in drone swarm radar technology
• Industry‑Academia Collaboration: Bridges gaps between research, start‑ups, and defence users
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Supports India’s vision of self‑reliance in aerospace and defence technology

Takeaway

The Mehar Baba Competition‑3 is not just a contest but a national innovation platform—driving indigenous defence technology, fostering collaboration, and honouring a legendary air warrior. With registrations opening on 27 April 2026, Indian innovators have a unique opportunity to shape the future of aerospace surveillance.

India Reduces Foreign Dependence, Procures Indigenous Mountain Radars for Air Force

Representative Image 

India’s Ministry of Defence has signed a ₹1,950 crore contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to procure two indigenously developed Mountain Radars for the Indian Air Force, marking a major step in strengthening air defence under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make-in-India initiatives. The deal, finalized on March 31, 2026, underscores India’s push for self-reliance in defence technology and reduced dependence on foreign imports.

Key Highlights of the Deal

• Contract Value: Around ₹1,950 crore
• Parties Involved: Ministry of Defence (MoD) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
• Date & Venue: Signed in New Delhi on March 31, 2026
• Category: Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)
• Technology Source: Designed and developed by Electronics & Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), a DRDO lab
• Manufacturer: BEL will produce and deliver the radars along with associated equipment and infrastructure

Strategic Importance

• Boost to Air Defence: Enhances surveillance and detection capabilities in high-altitude terrains
• National Security: Strengthens preparedness against aerial threats
• Indigenous Capability: Reduces reliance on foreign radar systems
• Industrial Growth: Supports domestic defence manufacturing and innovation

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) – Recent Momentum

• Secured multiple defence contracts, including ₹1,011 crore worth of orders across defence and technology segments in March 2026
• Expanding portfolio highlights BEL’s role as a key player in India’s defence electronics ecosystem

Broader Context

• Make-in-India Push: Reflects India’s long-term strategy to build indigenous defence systems
• Geopolitical Significance: Vital for mountainous border surveillance
• Future Outlook: Could pave the way for further indigenous radar systems and defence exports

Conclusion

The ₹1,950 crore Mountain Radar deal is more than a procurement—it is a strategic investment in India’s defence autonomy and technological advancement. By leveraging DRDO’s innovation and BEL’s manufacturing expertise, India is reinforcing its air defence shield while simultaneously nurturing its domestic defence industry.