A big boost to the indigenous defence industry, India is launching six new Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft to be developed by the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on Air India aircraft to further enhance Air Force surveillance capability along the borders with China and Pakistan.
Government sources said that as part of the discussions on the AEW&C Block 2 aircraft to be built by the DRDO under a 10,500 crore programme, the six aircraft will be purchased from the Air India fleet and upgraded to operate with a radar that would provide the defence forces with a 360-degree surveillance capability.
“The six AEW&C block two planes would be highly capable than their predecessor NETRA plane and provide 360-degree coverage deep inside the enemy territory during missions. The government is expected to clear the project soon,” government sources told ANI.
The proposal to develop the AEW&C system on existing aircraft from the Air India fleet could also mean that India may not purchase the six Airbus 330 transport aircraft expected to be purchased earlier from the European group, according to the reports.
The Defence Research and Development Company had previously intended to construct six Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) on Airbus 330 aircraft, some of which were planned to be built in Bengaluru.
According to the plans, the six new aircraft will be shipped to the European destination to the original equipment manufacturer to change the radar installation aircraft, according to the reports.
Sources said the project was intended to support Make in India in defence and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.