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India’s AEW&C modernising efforts are now geared up for critical decisions amid delays
In a crucial development, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is geared up to address the delays over the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems and aircraft. It is reported that MoD will add six Mk1A aircraft worth ₹9,000 crore while the developmental work on the six Mk-2 aircraft, with bigger second-hand Airbus-321 planes bought from Air India, is already in an advanced stage which costs ₹10,990 crore.
In its capability outlook, IAF is planning to acquire 12 Mk1A and Mk-2 AEW&C which will add to the existing fleet of three Netra Mk1 and three Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems are among the most critical components of modern military arsenals for enhanced situational awareness, command, control, and intelligence capabilities.
These systems use radar and other sensors mounted on aircraft to detect and track airborne targets, directing military operations effectively. In the context of India, Airborne AEW&C and AWACS modernisation programmes are critical components of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strategy to enhance its air defence capabilities. AEW&C modernisation is not just about enhancing radar range but also about integrating data and communications systems that can provide real-time information to all layers of the military’s defence infrastructure.
As regional security dynamics in South Asia evolve, India has placed a strong emphasis on modernising its aerial surveillance systems, incorporating cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring that its radar and communication systems can counter emerging threats effectively.
On the other hand, China and Pakistan are actively advancing their AEW&C programmes to maintain or enhance their air superiority.
India’s AEW&C Development. India’s focus on developing its AEW&C capabilities has been marked by significant strides, particularly through indigenous efforts and international collaborations. The primary AEW&C platform developed by India is the Netra, an airborne radar system mounted on the Embraer 145 aircraft. This project is part of IAF’s larger strategy to build a robust multi-layered air defence network.
Netra AEW&C. Developed by the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) and manufactured by Embraer, the Netra is equipped with a variety of radar and communication systems. This system provides the IAF with real-time surveillance, intelligence, and early warning capabilities. With its advanced phased array radar and the ability to detect targets at long ranges, Netra strengthens India’s defence perimeter, particularly along its borders with China and Pakistan.
While the Netra system reflects India’s growing capabilities in indigenously designed defence technologies, India’s AEW&C development continues to be a work in progress. The country aims to enhance its AEW&C systems further with the development of larger platforms and more advanced radar systems. The future goal is to develop a more advanced version of Netra with longer ranges and improved tracking capabilities, ensuring better detection of stealth aircraft and missile threats.
Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems are among the most critical components of modern military arsenals for enhanced situational awareness, command, control, and intelligence capabilities
Here, India’s collaboration with Embraer for the Netra platform has been instrumental in bridging the gap in airborne surveillance. Embraer’s expertise in producing aircraft with exceptional airframes and reliable systems has allowed India to accelerate its AEW&C ambitions while also developing a robust domestic defence manufacturing base.
The future of India’s AEW&C programmes is expected to see the development of more advanced versions of Netra, possibly with larger platforms like the Airbus A330 or Boeing 737 to provide greater radar coverage and accommodate more sophisticated radar arrays. Such systems will be able to counter stealth aircraft and high-speed missiles.
China’s AEW&C Capabilities. China has significantly advanced its AEW&C technology in recent years. Its growing technological prowess has allowed China to rapidly deploy a range of airborne surveillance systems, which play a crucial role in both defensive and offensive operations in the region.
KJ-2000 and KJ-500. China’s main AEW&C platforms are the KJ-2000 and KJ-500, both of which are based on indigenous designs. The KJ-2000 is based on the Russian Il-76 transport aircraft and is equipped with an active phased-array radar that offers extensive coverage and tracking capabilities. The KJ-500, a more modern platform, is based on the Chinese Y-9 aircraft and features similar radar technology but is smaller and more versatile.
Advanced Radar and Surveillance. The Chinese AEW&C systems boast some of the most advanced radar technology in the region, offering long-range detection and improved target identification, including the ability to detect stealth aircraft. This gives China a considerable advantage in the region, particularly in countering both the Indian and US air forces’ capabilities.
The integration of KJ-2000 and KJ-500 systems into China’s air force allows for a broad surveillance range, covering not just Chinese airspace but also regional waters and areas of strategic interest. This capability significantly enhances China’s situational awareness, especially in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait, and along its borders with India.
Pakistan’s AEW&C Development. Pakistan’s AEW&C capabilities are less advanced than those of India or China but have been gradually improving in recent years. Pakistan has focused on leveraging foreign technology while also developing its indigenous capabilities.
Pakistan’s primary AEW&C platform is the Saab 2000 system, which is based on the Swedish-designed Saab 2000 aircraft, integrated with the Erieye radar system. This system offers Pakistan the ability to detect and track airborne targets at long ranges, providing a crucial layer of defence against aerial threats.
Strategic Limitations. Although Pakistan’s AEW&C systems are capable, they are relatively limited in range and sophistication compared to China’s or India’s offerings. The Saab 2000 radar, while effective in regional airspace, falls much short of the capabilities of the Chinese KJ-500 or India’s Netra in terms of detection range, data processing, or multirole operational capabilities.
Pakistan’s reliance on foreign systems like the Saab 2000 reflects its strategic need to build defence partnerships with countries like Sweden and others in NATO. In the future, Pakistan may seek to develop more advanced AEW&C platforms or deepen collaboration with allies to close the technological gap.
With the Chinese KJ-500, India faces a strategic challenge in terms of maintaining an air defence capability that can match or counter Chinese technological superiority. India’s ongoing development of the Netra series and the potential induction of larger platforms will be critical in maintaining a balance of power in the region.
AWACS Modernisation Plans. The Phalcon AWACS, although effective, is nearing the end of its lifecycle, and India has begun efforts to modernise and expand its AWACS fleet. There are plans to procure additional AWACS systems to ensure that India maintains a comprehensive air defence network. IAF in its futuristic capability roadmap plans to acquire at least 18 AWACS aircraft to keep them available in the skies around the clock.
The Future AWACS systems will feature even more advanced radar and sensor technologies, such as Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, which offer higher resolution, greater target detection capability, and the ability to track more targets simultaneously. This would allow India to improve its early warning and surveillance capability in increasingly complex and congested airspaces.
The key factor here is building airborne surveillance integration which is linked to improving integration with India’s other air defence systems. The goal is to create a seamless network of surveillance, tracking, and combat control platforms that can respond to a variety of aerial threats. The integration of AWACS with ground-based radar systems, air defence systems like the S-400, and other intelligence-gathering systems will create a more effective air defence ecosystem.
Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP’s Aviation, SP’s Land Forces and SP’s Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.