SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has confirmed the development of the Netra MkII, an advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, which will feature both side-looking and front-looking Active Phased Array (AESA) radar systems. This next-generation platform, set to be mounted on ex-Air India Airbus A321 aircraft, marks a significant leap in India’s aerial surveillance and command capabilities, enhancing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ability to monitor and respond to threats in real time.
The Netra MkII builds on the success of its predecessor, the Netra MkI, which is currently operational on the Embraer ERJ-145 platform with a 240-degree radar coverage. The MkII variant introduces a more comprehensive radar suite, incorporating side-looking and front-looking AESA radars. These radars, developed by DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), utilize Gallium Nitride (GaN) Transmit-Receive Modules (TRMs), offering improved detection range, tracking accuracy, and resistance to electronic countermeasures compared to traditional systems.
The side-looking AESA radars provide wide-area surveillance, enabling the Netra MkII to monitor aerial threats across a broad sector, while the front-looking radar replaces the conventional weather radar on the A321, enhancing forward detection capabilities. This configuration ensures near-360-degree coverage, a critical upgrade for tracking stealth aircraft, ballistic missiles, and other low-observable targets. According to idrw.org sources Netra MkII is also being designed with special capabilities to detect and track ballistic missiles, significantly boosting India’s Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) capabilities.
The decision to use ex-Air India A321 aircraft reflects a cost-effective approach, leveraging existing airframes while integrating cutting-edge indigenous technology. The IAF plans to convert six A321s into AEW&C platforms, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027-28. This aligns with India’s broader push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing, reducing dependency on foreign platforms and systems.
The Netra MkII’s advanced AESA radar systems position it as a critical asset for the IAF, particularly in the context of regional tensions. Its ability to detect stealth objects and track ballistic missiles addresses key vulnerabilities in India’s air defense network, especially against adversaries equipped with advanced technologies, such as Pakistan’s potential acquisition of Chinese KJ-200 AEW&C planes and China’s stealth fighters. The near-360-degree radar coverage ensures comprehensive situational awareness, enabling the IAF to coordinate fighter operations, direct missile defenses, and counter emerging threats effectively.
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