The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been granted the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate for the indigenous ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. This system, developed through collaboration among the IAF, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and associated industries, aims to enhance airborne surveillance and battle management capabilities. The achievement marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of self-reliance in advanced aerospace and defense technologies.
The Netra AEW&C system, which received its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017, signifies DRDO’s dedication to indigenization and capability enhancement for defense services. The ceremony, held in Bengaluru, was overseen by Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti. Former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, former DRDO Chairman S. Christopher, and various IAF officials and industry partners attended the event.
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Bharti highlighted the system’s operational utility during missions like Operation Sindoor and Balakot strikes. He emphasized the importance of indigenous technologies in adapting systems to evolving war scenarios through modifications. The success of the Netra program was attributed to the collaborative efforts of DRDO, IAF, and industry partners, fostering synergy and innovation.
Distinguished Scientist and DRDO Director General of Aeronautics Cluster, K Rajalakshmi Menon, shared insights into the challenges faced and decisions made to achieve the program’s objectives. She underscored the significance of system engineering in planning and executing flight tests. DRDO Director General of Electronics Cluster, B K Das, praised the synergy among stakeholders as pivotal to the program’s success, labeling Netra AEW&C as a testament to self-reliance and ‘Viksit Bharat.’
Appreciation was extended to organizations and units instrumental in realizing and operationalizing the Netra AEW&C system. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders were acknowledged for transforming the system from concept to operational reality.
