Platform profile · India · Airborne early warning and control aircraft · Indian Air Force
DRDO Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System
High activityNetra Mk1 received Final Operational Clearance on 2026-06-25 while approved Mk1A and Mk2 follow-ons remain in development.
DRDO handed the Netra Mk1 Final Operational Clearance certificate to the Indian Air Force in Bengaluru on 25 June 2026 after the fleet's operational use during the Balakot strikes and Operation Sindoor. In July 2025, Indian media reported final financial approval for six Airbus A321-based Netra Mk2 aircraft at an estimated Rs 19,000-20,000 crore, following a March 2025 DAC clearance for additional AEW&C systems. The Indian Air Force operates three ERJ-145-based Netra Mk1 aircraft, and DRDO's current product data gives their radar 240-degree coverage, 200 km range against a 2 square metre target and 300 km in extended mode. The aircraft combines AESA radar, IFF, electronic and communications support measures, secure data links, battle management and a self-protection suite. The Mk1A and Mk2 expansion matters because it can multiply India's airborne surveillance coverage while reducing dependence on imported heavy AWACS.
Updated 25 Jun 2026
Verified figures
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Airframe | Embraer ERJ-145 ↗ |
| Mission crew | 5 on station plus 5 resting ↗ |
| Operating altitude | 30,000 ft ↗ |
| Service ceiling | 35,000 ft ↗ |
| Radar range | 200 km against a 2 square metre target; 300 km in extended mode ↗ |
| Radar coverage | 240-degree sector scan ↗ |
| Search capacity | 500 search targets with simultaneous search and track ↗ |
| Identification friend or foe | Mk-XII S ↗ |
| Electronic support measures | 0.5-40 GHz coverage, 8 GHz per second scan rate and more than 500 emitter identities ↗ |
| Communications support measures | 20-1,000 MHz coverage with COMINT recording and replay ↗ |
| Self-protection suite | Radar warning receiver, missile approach warning system and countermeasure dispensing system ↗ |
Spec sources: drdo.gov.in ↗
Changelog
Program timeline
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DRDO handed the Netra Mk1 Final Operational Clearance certificate to the Indian Air Force at Bengaluru; officials cited reliable operational use during the Balakot strikes and Operation Sindoor.
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Indian media reported final financial approval for six A321-based Netra Mk2 aircraft at about Rs 20,000 crore; the aircraft are to receive indigenous AESA radars and mission systems.
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The Defence Acquisition Council cleared Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft systems for the Indian Air Force within eight capital acquisition proposals worth more than Rs 54,000 crore.
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India and Spain signed programme arrangements under which CABS will develop the Netra Mk II mission system and Airbus will modify A321 airframes.
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The Defence Acquisition Council granted Acceptance of Necessity for six AEW&C Mk2 aircraft with associated equipment under Buy Indian-IDDM, with pre-owned Airbus A319 or A321 airframes then envisaged.
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The defence minister publicly credited Netra's successful operational use during the Balakot air strike.
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DRDO delivered the second of three Netra systems to the Indian Air Force at Bathinda Air Force Station in Punjab.
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DRDO handed the first indigenous AEW&C system in initial operational clearance configuration to the Indian Air Force during Aero India at Yelahanka, Bengaluru.
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Embraer delivered the first fully modified EMB-145 airframe to India for installation and integration of the indigenous mission system.
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The first modified EMB-145 aircraft for India's indigenous AEW&C programme made its maiden flight at Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil.
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