SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
India’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), a key laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is set to repurpose one of its existing Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems as a technological demonstrator. This strategic move aims to accelerate the development of advanced indigenous radar systems for six additional Netra platforms, including the recently approved Netra Mk1A. The initiative, greenlit by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), marks a significant leap in India’s quest for self-reliance in airborne surveillance technology, with cutting-edge Gallium Arsenide (GaS) and Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars at its core.
The Netra AEW&C, mounted on Embraer EMB-145I aircraft, has been a pioneering achievement for India’s indigenous defense ecosystem. The initial Netra Mk1, with its GaS-based AESA radar, provides 240-degree coverage and a detection range of approximately 250-300 kilometers for fighter-sized targets. Two operational Netra Mk1 systems are currently in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), complemented by a third used for trials and development. It is this third aircraft that CABS plans to convert into a technological demonstrator, serving as a testbed for next-generation radar systems.
The DAC’s recent approval paves the way for six additional Netra systems, split between the Netra Mk1A and the more advanced Netra Mk2 programs. The Netra Mk1A, an enhanced version of the original, will feature a GaN-based AESA radar, offering superior performance over its GaS predecessor. GaN technology, known for its higher power efficiency, heat resistance, and jamming resilience, is expected to boost the radar’s range and detection capabilities significantly. Meanwhile, the Netra Mk2, still in the conceptual phase, promises further upgrades, potentially expanding coverage to 300 degrees and extending range well beyond current benchmarks.
For the Netra Mk1A, the demonstrator will focus on perfecting the GaN-based radar, which promises a leap in performance. GaN’s higher power output could push the detection range closer to 400 kilometers, while improved signal processing enhances target discrimination against stealth aircraft and electronic countermeasures. The demonstrator will also lay the groundwork for the Netra Mk2, testing upgraded AESA designs with greater range, resolution, and possibly full 300-degree coverage—features that would bring it closer to the capabilities of the IAF’s Phalcon AWACS.
The IAF has long sought to expand its AEW&C fleet to counter the growing aerial capabilities of China and Pakistan. China operates over 20 AEW&C systems, including the KJ-500, while Pakistan fields a mix of Saab Erieye and ZDK-03 platforms. With only three Phalcons and two Netra Mk1s currently operational, India’s airborne surveillance capacity falls short of the 15-20 systems deemed necessary for comprehensive coverage. The addition of six Netra aircraft, bolstered by advanced indigenous radars, will narrow this gap, offering a scalable and affordable solution tailored to India’s needs.
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