Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF), which is short of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, a critical force multiplier, is looking for the procurement of 12 new aircrafts.
Major Highlights:
- The IAF is planning to acquire 12 new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircrafts under two different programmes.
- One of them is a follow-on order of six AEW&C systems mounted on Embraer aircraft.
- IAF already operates three Netra AEW&C systems mounted on Embraer aircrafts.
- These aircrafts will be purchased from Embraer, while DRDO Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) will be doing the necessary modifications to their equipment.
- Another order pertains to six AEW&C systems under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that would be mounted on Airbus A-321 aircraft.
- The AEW&C mounted on the Airbus aircraft would provide 300-degree coverage.
- One of them is a follow-on order of six AEW&C systems mounted on Embraer aircraft.
Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System:
- Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) is a force multiplier system that uses advanced radars for detection & tracking enemy/hostile aircrafts/ UAVs etc. from a considerable distance (primarily long-distance).
- The systems use advanced communication equipment to share real-time data with operators onboard and on ground to identify, assess the threat and take actions to guide specific interceptors (fighter jets or surface-to-air missiles) towards the airborne threats to neutralise them.
- Significance: In Indian context, AEW&C systems can play a vital role to maintain national airspace security, especially along the China and Pakistan border.
Presently, India operates two types of AEW&C systems:
- Netra AEW&C:
- Indigenous system developed by DRDO in collaboration with IAF.
- Mounted on Embraer ERJ-145 jets.
- Netra provides 240-degree coverage of airspace.
- Range over 200 kms.
- Phalcon AWACS:
- India presently operates three Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS).
- The Israeli-made system is mounted on top of an IL-76 transport aircraft.
- Provides 360-degree radar coverage.
- Detects aircraft at ranges exceeding 400 kilometres.