The Indian Air force (IAF) has formally inducted the first indigenously built Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) dubbed as NETRA.
The AEW&C NETRA has been indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
It was launched at the 2017 Aero India exhibition held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
AEW&C are airborne radar systems mounted on a carrier jet for airborne surveillance system.
This is to detect and track aircraft, missiles, ships and vehicles and provide command and control to direct friendly forces.
It consists of active electronically scanned radar, secondary surveillance radar, electronic and communication counter measures, LOS (Line of Sight) and beyond-LOS data link,.
It also has a voice communication system AEW&C NETRA system which is based on Embraer aircraft (Emb-145 platform).
It has self-protection suite and also mid-air refuelling capability to enhance surveillance time.
This system gives 240° coverage of airspace.
DRDO has developed three NETRA systems and its three aircraft will be based at Bhatinda, facing the Western border.
With this India, joins select club of other countries such as United States, Russia and Israel which have developed the AEW&C system.
