India Expands AEW&C Fleet: Defence Council Approves Major Upgrade
India is set to expand its fleet of airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft following the Defence Acquisition Council’s approval of an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN). This marks the first step in the procurement process, signifying the government’s recognition of the operational need for these systems. AEW&C aircraft play a crucial role in modern warfare by enhancing battlefield awareness and boosting the effectiveness of other weapon systems. The AoN is part of a broader INR 540 billion ($6.5 billion) military upgrade plan, which also includes tank engine upgrades for the army and a new torpedo for the navy.
Reports indicate that India plans to acquire 12 AEW&C aircraft, including six more Embraer ERJ-145-based ‘Netra’ jets with indigenous radar systems. Additionally, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) aims to convert six Airbus A321s into AEW&C platforms by installing a radar system on top of the fuselage. Currently, India operates six AEW&C aircraft—three Netra jets and three Ilyushin Il-76-based A-50Es. These new acquisitions will significantly enhance India’s airborne surveillance and air defence capabilities, with the next steps involving requests for proposals, bid evaluations, and contract negotiations.
India Expands AEW&C Fleet: Defence Council Approves Major Upgrade
India is advancing its plans to expand its fleet of airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, which are crucial for modern military operations. The country’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has officially approved the need for these systems, marking the first step in the procurement process. This approval, known as an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), confirms the Indian Air Force’s requirement for additional AEW&C aircraft to enhance surveillance and combat capabilities. The next phases will involve inviting bids from suppliers, evaluating proposals, and finalizing contracts.
These specialized aircraft serve as “eyes in the sky,” significantly enhancing the effectiveness of other defense systems during conflicts. Equipped with advanced radars and sensors, they monitor airspace, track enemy movements, and coordinate responses, providing India with a strategic advantage in early threat detection. The decision to acquire more AEW&C platforms is part of a broader military modernization initiative, with approvals totaling ₹540 billion (approximately $6.5 billion). This budget also includes upgrades for the army’s tank engines and new torpedoes for the navy, reflecting a comprehensive push to strengthen national defense.
While the Defence Ministry has not disclosed exact numbers, reports suggest that India plans to acquire 12 new AEW&C aircraft. Six of these are expected to be additional “Netra” aircraft, similar to those currently in service. The existing Netra fleet consists of modified Embraer ERJ-145 aircraft equipped with indigenously developed radar systems. The new units are likely to follow this design, reinforcing India’s emphasis on domestic defense technology. Additionally, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is working on converting six Airbus A321 passenger aircraft into AEW&C platforms. These will feature a large radar system mounted on the fuselage, resembling the configurations seen in other surveillance aircraft.
At present, India operates a limited fleet of six AEW&C aircraft: three Netra jets and three larger A-50EI aircraft, based on Russian Ilyushin Il-76 transport planes. The A-50EI variants, equipped with Israeli radar systems, provide long-range detection capabilities. However, the small fleet size restricts India’s ability to monitor its vast borders and coastal regions continuously. Acquiring 12 additional aircraft would more than triple the current capacity, ensuring broader coverage and faster response times in critical situations.
The expansion of AEW&C capabilities aligns with India’s strategic objective to counter growing regional security challenges. With increasing military activity along its borders and heightened geopolitical tensions, advanced surveillance platforms are essential for maintaining situational awareness. These aircraft can detect incoming missiles, enemy jets, and drones from long distances, giving ground forces and fighter squadrons crucial time to react. Additionally, they improve coordination during joint operations, serving as communication hubs for air, land, and naval forces.
A key aspect of this initiative is India’s focus on indigenous technology, as seen in the development of Netra and the conversion of Airbus A321 aircraft. By investing in homegrown radar systems and modifying existing platforms locally, India aims to reduce its reliance on foreign defense imports. The DRDO’s role in these projects highlights this commitment, although international collaborations—such as those with Embraer and Airbus—continue to play a role in accelerating development.
This approval comes amid a global surge in demand for AEW&C technology, as nations increasingly invest in such systems to counter stealth aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. Expanding its AEW&C fleet will not only address India’s immediate security needs but also bring its capabilities closer to those of advanced militaries like the U.S., China, and Russia, which operate significantly larger AEW&C fleets.
In conclusion, India’s decision to expand its AEW&C fleet represents a major step in strengthening its defense infrastructure. By combining domestically developed systems with international platforms, the country aims to build a robust surveillance network that enhances national security. This move, part of a $6.5 billion defense modernization program, underscores India’s commitment to upgrading its military and addressing evolving security threats in an increasingly unpredictable geopolitical environment.