Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System

Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System Latest News

Recently, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the Indigenous ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

About Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System

• It is an airborne radar and command platform built around an Embraer EMB-145 aircraft. 
• It is commonly known as the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) “Eye in the Sky.” 
• It is developed indigenously by the Bengaluru-based Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS).
• India is the fifth country in the world to develop this capability.

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Features of  Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System

• It is designed to detect incoming projectiles, ships and aircraft at long ranges, differentiate friend from foe and direct friendly fighters in real time.
• Detection Range: It offers real-time battlefield management, 250-500+ km detection ranges and 300° to 360° radar coverage to track hostile aircraft, drones and missiles.
• It uses the Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 aircraft as its platform, on which is mounted an active electronically scanned array radar in its dorsal fin.
• The system encompasses a sophisticated suite of mission equipment, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), mission computer, secure communication networks, electronic support measures (ESM) and communication support measures.
• Unlike ground-based radar, an AEW&C aircraft operates at altitude, allowing it to see farther over terrain and provide a broader picture of aircraft, drones and other airborne activity.
• It can also share real-time information with fighter jets, ground stations and other military assets.

 Source: PIB