SOURCE: AFI
In a display of the strong diplomatic ties between India and the Maldives, newly elected President Mohamed Muizzu arrived in India on an Indian Air Force (IAF) civilian airliner. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, notably retains the iconic Air India livery, highlighting an intriguing chapter in its history.
The Airbus A321, which carried President Muizzu to India, was once part of Air India’s fleet but was not sold to the Tata Group when they took over the national carrier. Instead, the aircraft was retained by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to serve as a strategic asset for the IAF’s future Netra MkII Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) program.
The Netra MkII program is aimed at boosting India’s aerial surveillance capabilities, with plans to transform the Airbus A321 into a highly sophisticated AWACS platform. These aircraft, once modified, will be equipped with advanced radar systems capable of detecting and tracking enemy movements from long distances, a critical element in modern warfare. However, until the conversion takes place, this Airbus has been put to good use for high-profile dignitaries, including President Muizzu, showcasing India’s flexibility in utilizing available assets to further its diplomatic engagements.
The Airbus A321 has been flying various dignitaries while awaiting its transformation into an AWACS platform under the Netra MkII program. Despite still bearing the Air India livery, the aircraft has already begun to play a significant role in India’s diplomatic missions. Its use highlights the country’s ability to seamlessly blend civilian and military assets to achieve broader strategic goals.
President Mohamed Muizzu’s arrival in India aboard the IAF’s Airbus A321, awaiting conversion into the Netra MkII AWACS platform, underscores both the evolving India-Maldives relationship and India’s strategic focus on dual-use assets. As the aircraft waits for its eventual transformation into a state-of-the-art surveillance platform, it serves as a reminder of India’s growing aerospace capabilities and its readiness to support diplomatic and military engagements in the region.