India's indigenous ‘eye in the sky’ Netra AEW&C to get final clearance on June 25

NEW DELHI: To boost IAF’s ‘eye in the sky’ powers, the final operational clearance (FOC) for India’s indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, considered to be a ‘flying radar station’, is scheduled for June 25.On Friday, DRDO, which has developed the Netra system, posted on X, “A ceremony for the declaration of FOC of Netra AEW&C system is planned on 25 June 2026 at Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru. The FOC is a major milestone achieved for an indigenous system of systems such as the Netra AEW&C.”FOC means the final phase of certification in which an aircraft or military system is declared fully mission-ready after completing all required trials and validations.An AEW&C is a heavily modified aircraft equipped with a powerful radar that constantly sweeps the skies and the sea for threats. It is a specialised airborne radar and command centre designed to detect incoming projectiles, ships and aircraft at long ranges, identifies friend from foe, and directs friendly fighters in real-time.DRDO spearheaded India's indigenous airborne surveillance with the Netra AEW&C programme, which integrates mission avionics on the Embraer EMB-145 aircraft’s platform.

Three aircraft were already given initial operational clearance (IOC) after completing development trials with user participation. During the June 25 ceremony, the final clearance will be given to these aircraft.Besides Netra AEW&C, India also operates three Russian IL-76-based Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). The Phalcon system, mounted on Russian IL-76 aircraft with improved engines, is equipped with advanced radar capable of detecting airborne and surface threats at long ranges, including cruise missiles and aircraft.In March 2025, the defence ministry approved the procurement of six additional AEW&C, which would be an upgraded version of the existing fleet.Pakistan, on the other hand, operates nine state-of-the-art Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&Cs, besides the four Chinese ZDK03 Karakoram Eagle AWACS. New Delhi: To boost IAF’s ‘eye in the sky’ powers, the final operational clearance (FOC) for India’s indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, considered to be a ‘flying radar station’, is scheduled for June 25.On Friday, DRDO, which has developed the Netra system, posted on X, “A ceremony for the declaration of FOC of Netra AEW&C system is planned on 25 June 2026 at Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), Bengaluru. The FOC is a major milestone achieved for an indigenous system of systems such as the Netra AEW&C.”FOC means the final phase of certification in which an aircraft or military system is declared fully mission-ready after completing all required trials and validations.An AEW&C is a heavily modified aircraft equipped with a powerful radar that constantly sweeps the skies and the sea for threats. It is a specialised airborne radar and command centre designed to detect incoming projectiles, ships and aircraft at long ranges, identifies friend from foe, and directs friendly fighters in real-time.DRDO spearheaded India's indigenous airborne surveillance with the Netra AEW&C programme, which integrates mission avionics on the Embraer EMB-145 aircraft’s platform.

Three aircraft were already given initial operational clearance (IOC) after completing development trials with user participation. During the June 25 ceremony, the final clearance will be given to these aircraft.Besides Netra AEW&C, India also operates three Russian IL-76-based Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). The Phalcon system, mounted on Russian IL-76 aircraft with improved engines, is equipped with advanced radar capable of detecting airborne and surface threats at long ranges, including cruise missiles and aircraft.In March 2025, the defence ministry approved the procurement of six additional AEW&C, which would be an upgraded version of the existing fleet.Pakistan, on the other hand, operates nine state-of-the-art Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&Cs, besides the four Chinese ZDK03 Karakoram Eagle AWACS.