IAF plans for six more ‘Netra’ early warning aircraft

NEW DELHI: The Air Force is planning to induct more of the ‘Netra’ early warning and control aircraft to its fleet, in a show of confidence in the indigenous system that demonstrated its capabilities to track enemy aircraft and direct quick responses during the Balakot operations in 2019.

Sources said six additional aircraft are being planned to be acquired by the Air Force as part of a $1 billion plan to add force multipliers in the Air Force. The Netra system has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) which is also working on a next generation Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS India) programme.

The Air Force currently has two Netra systems that are mounted on the Embraer 145 jet. The additional six systems will be on the same jet and efforts are on to scout for aircraft in the secondary market as they are no longer in production. The two Netra systems in service were used during the 2019 Balakot strikes and subsequent attempt by Pakistan to target military installations.