Now, India is about to move a further step ahead in enhancing its airborne surveillance and monitoring with the development of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Mk II or Netra Mk II. Under the programme, six Airbus A321 aircraft will be converted into sophisticated airborne surveillance aircraft. Reports suggest that DRDO has inked a contract with the aviation giants to get the jets converted as advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, as per the Defence Analysis Wing of India’s Defence Ministry.
These new aircraft are supposed to carry advanced electronic warfare systems which are also capable of detecting and tracking aerial targets at high altitudes and from large distances. Equipped with highly capable radars and state-of-the-art electronic sensors, such platforms allow commanders to expand their real-time battlefield awareness and to effectively command coordinated counter-attack actions.
Electronic Age of warfare: “With the production of this aircraft, we would reduce our dependence on imported advanced electronics for such applications and achieve indigenisation”. Said by Mr R.N. Murali, Director. R&D facility, India. With the development of Netra Mark II, electronics will play just as important a role as our traditional weapons. Improved radars, data link, secure radio, processing capability & C2 system. The technology has to be a force for our country.
The programme is poised to enhance India’s indigenous air surveillance capability, enabling it to quickly respond to developing situations, and improving sky surveillance.
