SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In a significant operational milestone, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed the Netra Mk1A testbed, originally developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for testing purposes, during Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025. According to a report by aerospace journalist Anantha Krishnan M, sources within the IAF confirmed that the Netra Mk1A Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system performed flawlessly, playing a pivotal role in the operation.
The Netra Mk1A, an advanced iteration of the DRDO’s Netra AEW&C program, is a force multiplier designed to enhance situational awareness and command-and-control capabilities. Mounted on an Embraer ERJ-145 platform, the Netra Mk1A features an indigenously developed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, capable of detecting and tracking airborne and ground targets at ranges up to 240 kilometers. With 240-degree radar coverage, advanced electronic countermeasures, and secure communication systems, the system provides real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to IAF commanders. The testbed, initially used to validate upgrades for the Netra Mk1A program, was pressed into operational service during Operation Sindoor, demonstrating its readiness and reliability under combat conditions.
Anantha Krishnan M’s report, amplified by posts on X, highlighted the Netra Mk1A’s “just in time” deployment, suggesting that the IAF’s decision to operationalize the testbed was a strategic move to bolster its AEW&C capabilities amid escalating tensions. The system’s performance, described as flawless, marks a significant achievement for the DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), which has faced challenges in scaling the Netra program due to platform availability and integration complexities. The successful operation of the Netra Mk1A testbed validates years of indigenous development and positions it as a critical asset in India’s air defence architecture.
The Netra Mk1A’s role in Operation Sindoor complements the IAF’s existing AEW&C fleet, which includes three Netra Mk1 systems and 3 Phalcon AWACS mounted on IL-76 platforms. While the Phalcon systems offer longer endurance and 360-degree radar coverage, the Netra Mk1A’s compact design and lower operational costs make it ideal for tactical missions.
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