India Renews Indigenous AWACS Efforts | Aviation International News

India Renews Indigenous AWACS Efforts

Having developed an`AWACS system based on an Embraer regional jet, India is now looking to move forward with its A330-based concept

The Indian Air Force operates two of the Netra AEW&CS aircraft based on the Embraer EMB-145 regional jet airframe. (photo: Neelam Mathews)

By Neelam Mathews

March 28, 2019

Recent skirmishes with neighboring Pakistan have resulted in India’s military focus returning to a delayed program for an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). The Indian Air Force (IAF) strike on a Pakistani terrorist training camp at Balakot in February included 12 Mirage 2000s supported by a fleet of other warplanes, including India’s two home-grown Netra (eyes) AEW&CS (airborne early warning and control system) aircraft that are based on an Embraer EMB-145 platform.

India’s $300 million deal for three Brazilian-built EMB-145s in 2008 was part of a Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) program to scale up the IAF’s capabilities. The Embraer platform deal included structural changes and integration of Indian radars on the aircraft, and a logistics package of training, technical support, spare parts and ground support equipment from the Brazilian OEM.

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