Giving a major boost to the aerial surveillance capability of the Indian Air Force, Defense Research and Development Organization's (DRDO) indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system 'Netra' has received the Final Operational Clearance (FOC). With this, Netra is now completely ready for the operational missions of the Indian Air Force.
Experts are calling it the “sky eye” of India, because it is capable of detecting enemy fighter planes, drones, missiles and other air threats from hundreds of kilometers away.
Netra is an indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C), developed by DRDO. It is an aircraft equipped with a special radar and mission system, which continuously monitors while flying in the air.
This system monitors enemy air activities and sends information to Indian Air Force fighter planes and ground command center in real time.
Netra monitors the air activities around with the help of the special AESA radar mounted on the aircraft. It can track multiple targets simultaneously. With the help of this system, Netra can identify enemy fighter planes and can detect targets flying at low altitude.
It is also capable of monitoring drones and cruise missiles. Can help in providing target information to Indian fighter planes. Also provides real-time data to the air defense network.
In modern warfare, fighter aircraft alone are not enough. Getting timely information about enemy activities is also the biggest strength. With the help of Netra, the Indian Air Force can continuously monitor the border areas. Also, it can track enemy planes much earlier. Apart from this, it can provide better guidance to fighter planes and strengthen network-based warfare capabilities.
In recent years, due to the increasing use of drones, stand-off weapons and long-range missiles, the role of airborne early warning systems has become more important. In such a situation, Netra will strengthen the early warning capability of the Indian Air Force.
According to sources, DRDO is now also working on the AEW&C Mk-2 project. This new system will be based on Air India's Airbus A321 aircraft. The specialty of Netra Mk-2 is that it will have 360 degree radar coverage. Will be able to identify targets at longer distances. Apart from tracking more targets simultaneously, it can perform missions for a longer period. Apart from this, it also has a better command and control system. With its arrival there will be a major increase in India's air surveillance capability.
Till now the Indian Air Force has been mainly dependent on the Israeli Falcon AWACS system for this. But now with Netra being operational, India's dependence on foreign systems will reduce and the indigenous defense industry will also get a boost.
Getting the FOC for Netra is not just a technical achievement, but a major success for India's self-reliant defense capability. In the coming years, Netra and its advanced versions will strengthen the aerial surveillance and combat capability of the Indian Air Force.
