Eyes in the sky: How India plans to detect & destroy every airborne threat before it strikes
India is significantly expanding its airborne surveillance fleet to bolster air defence capabilities. New Netra Mk-1A aircraft will triple the indigenous fleet size by 2028. The Netra Mk-2 program aims for advanced indigenous AWACS platforms by 2032. This expansion will increase the fleet from six to eighteen aircraft. These systems will provide comprehensive battlespace awareness and networked…
India's need for advanced air defense systems is growing as the country faces challenges from its vast land and maritime borders, as well as the potential for conflicts with neighboring nations. The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently operates a limited fleet of six airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms, consisting of three domestically-developed Netra systems and three Israeli Phalcon AWACS systems.
While these aircraft provide essential surveillance and command and control capabilities, their small size leaves gaps in coverage across India's expansive territory. As a result, India is seeking to increase its AEW&C fleet to maintain continuous aerial surveillance and improve its ability to detect and respond to airborne threats in a timely manner.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
