The government has given a go-ahead to the production of next generation airborne early warning and control systems (Awacs India) which will be a major force multiplier for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and propel India into a select league of nations with such indigenously developed capability.
Under the project, expected to cost around ₹20,000 crore, the IAF will get six large Awacs that will be capable of tracking enemy aircraft, ground sensors and other equipment at large distances, besides acting as a flying operations control centre.
With the government clearances in place, the Defence Research and Development Organisation will work with a host of Indian companies as well as Airbus to integrate a complex antenna and other systems onboard the A321 aircraft.
IAF already has six of the aircraft that were taken from Air India in the past. These aircraft will undergo complex structural modifications and integration of a range of systems, including a dorsal fin mounted on the top that will enable an all-round radar coverage.
The project is expected to take around three years for completion and would give Indian companies valuable expertise in working on complex systems from the development stage. It includes a fully indigenous mission control system and AESA radars.
Awacs India programme - also referred to as the Netra MkII - has been spearheaded by DRDO, which also recently got a go-ahead from the government to move into the prototype production stage for fifth generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft.
This is also the first time that an Airbus platform will be used for such an application, marking an entry into a domain that has traditionally been dominated by Boeing. The project could also open up export opportunities for India in the future as well.
The air force currently operates the much smaller 'Netra' early warning aircraft, which have been successfully utilised in conflicts with Pakistan. It also has three IL76 'Phalcon' systems that were jointly developed with Israel and Russia but the fleet has faced major technical and availability issues.
Under the project, expected to cost around ₹20,000 crore, the IAF will get six large Awacs that will be capable of tracking enemy aircraft, ground sensors and other equipment at large distances, besides acting as a flying operations control centre.
With the government clearances in place, the Defence Research and Development Organisation will work with a host of Indian companies as well as Airbus to integrate a complex antenna and other systems onboard the A321 aircraft.
IAF already has six of the aircraft that were taken from Air India in the past. These aircraft will undergo complex structural modifications and integration of a range of systems, including a dorsal fin mounted on the top that will enable an all-round radar coverage.
The project is expected to take around three years for completion and would give Indian companies valuable expertise in working on complex systems from the development stage. It includes a fully indigenous mission control system and AESA radars.
Awacs India programme - also referred to as the Netra MkII - has been spearheaded by DRDO, which also recently got a go-ahead from the government to move into the prototype production stage for fifth generation Advanced Multirole Combat Aircraft.
This is also the first time that an Airbus platform will be used for such an application, marking an entry into a domain that has traditionally been dominated by Boeing. The project could also open up export opportunities for India in the future as well.
The air force currently operates the much smaller 'Netra' early warning aircraft, which have been successfully utilised in conflicts with Pakistan. It also has three IL76 'Phalcon' systems that were jointly developed with Israel and Russia but the fleet has faced major technical and availability issues.
