Netra MkII

The Government of India has given its clearance to the ₹20,000 crore next-generation Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) India project, known as Netra MkII. This approval paves the way for the production of six advanced airborne early warning systems.

Key Highlights of the Netra MkII Project:

• Cost and Scale: The project is valued at ₹20,000 crore and involves the production of six advanced airborne early warning systems.
• Platform: These systems will be developed on Airbus A321 platforms. This marks a significant shift as it is India’s first AWACS program to utilize Airbus platforms, a domain traditionally dominated by Boeing aircraft globally.
• Developer: The Netra MkII system is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Enhanced Capabilities:
  • It will significantly enhance India’s air surveillance and combat coordination capabilities.
  • The system will feature an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
  • It will include a fully indigenous mission control system.
• Transformation: Under the project, six modified Airbus A321 aircraft will be transformed into these advanced surveillance assets.