DRDO has sealed key contracts for the AEW&C Mk-II program, marking a major step in India's efforts to strengthen Air Defense capabilities.
The deals were signed with Adani Defense and AIESL to support the development and integration of the next-generation airborne surveillance system. The AEW&C Mk-II program is expected to improve the Indian Air Force's ability to detect threats and monitor airspace over long distances.
The contracts were signed by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), a Bengaluru-based laboratory under the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). The agreements cover aircraft modification, integration work, certification, and long-term support for the advanced surveillance platform.
The program is based on six Embraer aircraft that will be converted into airborne early warning and control platforms. Once completed, they will provide the Indian Air Force with improved surveillance, target tracking, and battle management capabilities.
Under the agreement, Adani Defense will support the integration of mission systems into the aircraft. AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) will handle aircraft modification, maintenance, repair, and certification work.
The contracts were signed in the presence of senior officials from DRDO, CABS, AIESL, and Adani Defense. The program is part of India's broader plan to increase self-reliance in defense technology. It also aims to reduce dependence on imported airborne surveillance platforms.
The AEW&C Mk-II system is being developed by CABS. It is an upgraded version of India's existing Netra airborne early warning platform.
The new platform will provide wider radar coverage and better operational performance than the earlier system. It will help detect hostile aircraft, missiles, and other aerial threats from long distances. The system will also improve command and control during military operations.
The Indian Air Force is expected to benefit from faster threat detection and improved situational awareness. The program supports India's focus on building advanced defense technologies within the country.
Officials believe the project will strengthen indigenous capabilities in airborne surveillance and electronic systems.
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The newly signed agreements include several important activities:
The program is considered one of India's most important indigenous airborne surveillance projects. It brings together government laboratories and private industry to develop advanced military capabilities.
The latest contracts move the project into the execution stage. They also reflect the government's continued push for domestic defense manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.
With aircraft modification and system integration now underway, the AEW&C Mk-II program is expected to play a vital role in strengthening India's future air defense network.
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