The Indian Air Force is gearing up to enhance its surveillance capabilities along the borders with China and Pakistan by acquiring six new indigenous Netra-I surveillance aircraft. These aircraft are part of the Netra-I Airborne Early Warning and Control program, which is modeled after Brazilian Embraer aircraft.
Currently, the Air Force operates two Netra-I aircraft developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In a revival of the program, six more Netra-I aircraft are slated for procurement, with an estimated project cost of over Rs 8,000 crore, according to government officials speaking to India Today TV.
To accomplish this, the DRDO and officials are actively exploring sources to acquire Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft, which will then undergo modification to accommodate radar systems. These modified aircraft have proven highly effective in surveillance operations along both the China and Pakistan borders, providing constant and comprehensive monitoring of activities in these areas, as per Indian Air Force officials.
Currently, the Indian Air Force relies on three Israeli Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and two Netra surveillance planes to meet its surveillance requirements. This new initiative will run concurrently with the Netra-2 AEW&C project, which involves modifying six A-321 aircraft to convert them into surveillance aircraft. Over the next five to ten years, India is expected to acquire approximately 13 additional AEW&C planes through this effort.
The surveillance aircraft will be created by adapting the Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft for this purpose. The DRDO had previously intended to construct six Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) on an Airbus 330 aircraft, with a planned facility in Bangalore. Additionally, efforts are underway to modify A-321 aircraft for the Netra-2 project to bolster the fleet of surveillance planes.