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{{short description|Airborne early warning and control aircraft}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}

{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
|name = NETRA AEW&CS
|image =DrdoNetra.jpg
|caption = A DRDO Netra in flight, deploying chaffs
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
|type = [[Surveillance]],Tracking, Identification & [[Classification]] of Airborne and Sea surface targets, incoming [[Ballistic Missile]] detection<ref name="newindianexpress">{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/sep/11/drdo-hands-over-second-netra-early-warning-system-to-iaf-2032231.html|title= DRDO hands over second 'Netra' early warning system to IAF|publisher=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>
|unit cost = {{INRConvert|800|c|0}} in 2019{{cn|date=September 2020}}
|national origin = AEW&CS – [[India]]
ERJ-145 aircraft – [[Brazil]]
|manufacturer = [[Embraer]]
|program cost =
|designer =
|design group = [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] <br/>[[National Aerospace Laboratories]]
|first flight = 6 December 2011
|introduced = 14 February 2017

|status = In service
|primary user = [[Indian Air Force]]
|more users =
|produced =
|number built = 3<ref name="livefistdefence">{{cite web|url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/2018/02/indian-air-force-wants-home-grown-awacs-to-double-as-tanker.html|title=Indian Air Force Wants Home-Grown AWACS To Double As Tanker|publisher=LIVE FIST DEFENCE}}</ref>
|developed from = [[ERJ 145]] ([[airframe]])
|variants with their own articles=
}}
|}

The '''DRDO Airborne Early Warning and Control System''' ('''AEW&CS''') is a project of [[India]]'s [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] to develop an [[airborne early warning and control]] system for the [[Indian Air Force]]. It is also referred to as '''NETRA''' Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS).

== Development ==
In 2003, the [[Indian Air Force]] (IAF) and DRDO carried out a joint study of the system-level requirements and feasibility of development for an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system.<ref>{{cite press release | title = Development of Airborne Early Warning and Control System | publisher = Press Information Bureau, [[Government of India|GoI]] | date = 11 December 2003 | url = http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=123 | access-date = 25 July 2008 }}</ref> The government then approved the project for the development of the AEW&C system by DRDO. Primary responsibility for the project was with [[Centre for Airborne Systems]] (CABS), which led the design, system integration and testing of the system. [[Electronics and Radar Development Establishment]] (LRDE) was responsible for the design of the radar array. The [[Defence Electronics Application Laboratory]] (DEAL), based in [[Dehradun]], was responsible for the Data Link and Communication Systems for AEW&CS.

The DRDO AEW&CS programme aims to deliver three radar-equipped surveillance aircraft to the [[Indian Air Force]]. The aircraft platform selected was the [[Embraer]] [[ERJ 145]]. Three ERJ 145 were procured from Embraer at a cost of US$300 Million, including the contracted modifications to the airframe. The project goal was to deploy these AEW&C aircraft by 2013.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/Brazilian-jets-to-serve-as-eye-in-the-sky-for-IAF/article15207179.ece | title= Brazilian jets to serve as eye in the sky for IAF | date=20 April 2008 | first=Ravi | last=Sharma | newspaper=The Hindu | access-date=11 September 2019 }}</ref> India's sole previous effort to develop an AEW&C system was the [[Airborne Surveillance Platform]], but the programme, codenamed ''Airavat'', was ended after the only test-bed crashed. The AEW&C project aimed to supplement the larger and more capable [[EL/W-2090]] AWACS acquired by the IAF from [[Israel]]. Three EL/W-2090 systems have been ordered, with follow-on orders of 3 more expected in 2010.<ref>[http://www.india-defence.com/reports/3805 More Phalcons to be ordered]</ref> Apart from providing the IAF with a cheaper and hence, more flexible AEW&C platform as a backup to its more capable EL/W-2090 class systems, the DRDO AEW&C project aimed to develop the domestic ability to design and operationalise airborne surveillance platforms.

The delivery of six additional systems ordered in October 2010 is to begin from 2015. In June 2010, it was reported that the Indian Air Force is said to be looking at acquiring up to 20 additional systems, in addition to the existing systems on order.<ref name="aviationweek1" /><ref>[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?topicName=india&id=news/awx/2010/09/14/awx_09_14_2010_p0-254452.xml Indian Airborne Early Warning Aircraft On Track]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://idp.justthe80.com/air-force-projects/force-multipliers/aew-cs-project#TOC-Delivery-Schedule-and-Progress |title=AEW&CS Project – IDP Sentinel |access-date=16 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423174529/http://idp.justthe80.com/air-force-projects/force-multipliers/aew-cs-project#TOC-Delivery-Schedule-and-Progress |archive-date=23 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Partners ===
The responsibility between various DRDO laboratories is split as follows:

#[[Electronics and Radar Development Establishment|Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE)]] – Primary radar
#[[Defence Electronics Application Laboratory|Defence Electronics Application Laboratory (DEAL)]] – Communication Systems and Data Link
#[[Defence Avionics Research Establishment|Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE)]] – Self Protection suite, Electronic Support Measurement EW
#[[Defence Electronics Research Laboratory|Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL)]] – Communication Support Measures
#[[Centre for Airborne Systems|Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS)]] – IFF & Overall Programme Management, integration and development of the data handling system, displays, mission computers et al.

Various Indian private sector firms are involved in the programme. [[National Aerospace Laboratories|National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL)]] of [[Council of Scientific and Industrial Research]] (CSIR) contributed to the aerodynamic studies of the antenna array, and flight modelling of the entire AEW&CS platform.

== Design ==
[[File:ILA Berlin 2012 PD 027.JPG|thumb|ILA Berlin Air Show 2012, Model of DRDO AEW&CS]]
Two radiating planar arrays assembled back-to-back and mounted on top of the fuselage in an active antenna array unit (AAAU) will provide 240° coverage like [[Erieye]]. The AAAU is configured to compactly house 10 × 2 antenna array panels, 160 transmit receive 10 × 2 antenna array panels, 160 transmit receive multi-modules (TRMMs) dividers, beam forming units, beam control units, power supply units and related electronic devices including cables and connectors. This has been achieved through an innovative and iterative process to arrive at the AAAU with minimal dimensions and optimum mass properties. A unique feature of this Indian TRMM design is that eight trans-receive modules are combined compactly to form a single TRMM, thus facilitating high density installation of 160 of them in the AAAU to power the surveillance radar.<ref>http://publications.drdo.gov.in/gsdl/collect/defences/index/assoc/HASHef00/d0ae05fa.dir/doc.pdf{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Additionally, the aircraft has other mission capabilities like identification friend or foe (IFF), electronic and communication support measures, C-band line-of-sight and Ku-band SATCOM datalinks, etc., similar to those on the AWACS and CAEW systems. The important modes of operation of the primary radar system are the surface surveillance and the air surveillance. The sensor has the abilities to search, track-while-scan, priority tracking, high performance tracking, etc. In priority tracking, the targets will be placed in full track mode even if these cross the primary surveillance area. In high performance tracking, additional measurements will be made to improve the tracking accuracy. Utilising active aperture technology, the radar provides a fast-beam agile system that can operate in several modes concurrently. Inter-operability with AWACS, other AEW&C aircraft, fighters and ground-exploitation stations is ensured using the data-links with voice and data channels. The aircraft cabin houses five operator work stations to adequately meet requirements of the operational mission tasks.

An air-to-air refuelling system enables extended operations at times of need. The endurance of the platform aircraft is about nine hours with one air-to-air refuelling.

== Capabilities ==
[[File:Exercise Vayu Shakti 2019 09.jpg|thumb|DRDO AEW&CS at ''Exercise Vayu Shakti 2019''|left]]
The AEWACS aircraft will have an [[active electronically scanned array]] (AESA) primary radar with IFF. The system will also have ESM (Electronic Support Measures) and CSM (Communications Support Measures) ability. Datalinks to network the AEW&CS with fighters, and ground-based control systems will also be provided, as will be the SATCOM (Satellite Communication System). The aircraft will also have a comprehensive self-defence suite. The avionics suite will be linked via a datahandling system, controlled by Mission computers.

DRDO's public overview of the AEW&CS aircraft stated:<ref>[http://www.drdo.com/dpi/aero-mag-drdo.pdf DRDO article on the AEW & C]</ref>

* The Radar will have an extended range mode against fighter aircraft, and will consist of two back to back AESA arrays, with an additional dedicated IFF array.
* The ESM system will be able to track sources with a directional accuracy of 2 deg. RMS and a frequency accuracy of 1 MHz.
* The ESM system will have complete 360-degree coverage in azimuth and have a database of up to 3000 emitters against which threats will be scanned.
* Communication Support Measure system will analyse and record intercepted communications both inflight and post flight.
* Self Protection Suite will have a passive Missile Approach Warning System, a Radar Warning Receiver and countermeasures dispensers. The SPS will be integrated with the ESM and CSM suite.
* The aircraft will support Inflight refuelling.
* The aircraft will have SATCOM, and datalinks to pass on ESM, CSM and radar data to ground stations and datalinks to pass on target information to fighters. More than 40 other aircraft will be datalinked together by the AEW&C aircraft.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_533.shtml |title=ACIG Article on the AEWACS |access-date=24 May 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603231909/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_533.shtml |archive-date=3 June 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Status==
[[File:NetraAwacs.jpg|thumb|A Netra AEW&CS flying in formation with two [[Sukhoi Su-30MKI]]s of IAF]]
The first round of modifications to the first EMB-145 fuselage for India's early warning aircraft were made in March 2011 in preparation for integration with the Indian-designed antenna.

In June 2010, it was reported that the Active Array Antenna Unit (AAAU), developed by DRDO's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), was to be integrated into the modified EMB-145 aircraft. First test flight of the system was expected in early 2011.<ref name="aviationweek1">[http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_generic.jsp?topicName=india&id=news/awx/2010/06/01/awx_06_01_2010_p0-230912.xml Embraer Develops Complementary Platforms For Indian Systems]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.india-defence.com/reports-4515 |title=AWACS Developed by DRDO to Roll Out in January 2011; Flight Tests in 2011 |author=India defence |date= 12 September 2010 |publisher=india defence |access-date=12 September 2010}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100916101327/http://sify.com/finance/embraer-aircraft-with-indian-warning-system-to-fly-by-2011-news-default-kjmpObeaejj.html Embraer aircraft with Indian warning system to fly by 2011]</ref><ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_india-developing-unmanned-combat-air-vehicle_1436844 India developing unmanned combat air vehicle – India – DNA]</ref><ref>[http://www.brahmand.com/news/India-to-roll-out-indigenous-AEW-aircraft-by-2012/6018/1/10.html India to roll out indigenous AEW aircraft by 2012 – Brahmand.com]</ref>

The first modified fuselage platform was handed over to DRDO by Embraer in February 2011. Ground and flight tests of the aircraft were to be followed by installation of radar and other equipment.<ref>[http://www.embraer.com/en-US/ImprensaEventos/Press-releases/noticias/Pages/EMB-145-AEWC-INDIANO.aspx Embraer unveils the new EM 145 AEW&C platform developed for the Indian government]</ref> The first fully modified EMB-145i Aircraft with the antenna and its electronic payload made its maiden flight on 6 December 2011 at Embraer facilities at Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil with about 1000 Mission System Components provided by CABS, DRDO. These included the critical item – AESA (Active Electronic Scanning Antenna) Radar Antenna developed by DRDO and certified from ANAC, International FAR Certification Agency. at Sao Jose dos Campos in Brazil. Some of the sensitive advanced systems were replaced with dummy equipment of equivalent size and weight. These were to be integrated later in India following flight certification. A two-year certification period is expected. DRDO is expected to receive the next two aircraft platforms to start integration by mid-2012.<ref>[http://livefist.blogspot.com/2011/12/first-photo-indias-aew-platform-makes.html Livefist: FIRST PHOTO: India's AEW Platform Makes First Flight]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://idp.justthe80.com/air-force-projects/force-multipliers/aew-cs-project#TOC-Maiden-Flight-of-First-AEW-C-Embrae |title=AEW&CS Project – IDP Sentinel |access-date=16 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423174529/http://idp.justthe80.com/air-force-projects/force-multipliers/aew-cs-project#TOC-Maiden-Flight-of-First-AEW-C-Embrae |archive-date=23 April 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Embraer Defence and Security, on 16 August 2012 delivered the first EMB 145 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) class of aircraft to the Government of India, in a ceremony held at Embraer's headquarters in São José dos Campos, Brazil. The delivery follows successful completion of ground and flight tests of the aircraft which met operational targets established by both Embraer and Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Later on the aircraft will be delivered to the Indian Air Force after integration of missions systems of DRDO by CABS in India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsindia-emb-145-aewc-embraer/|title=India receives first EMB 145 AEW&C aircraft from Embraer|date=16 August 2012|website=Airforce Technology|language=en-GB|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/digital-battlespace/first-aewc-aircraft-delivered-india/|title=First AEW&C aircraft delivered to India – DB – Digital Battlespace – Shephard Media|website=www.shephardmedia.com|language=en|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref>

Maiden flight of the second fully modified aircraft for the Indian Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) was held at 1930 IST on 4 April 2012 at the San Jose dos Campos in Brazil. The necessary mission systems and components including the dummy AAAU (Active Antenna Array Unit) are successfully fitted onboard Embraer EMB 145I aircraft.<ref>[http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=17672 :: Bharat-Rakshak.com – Indian Military News Headlines ::] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220130227/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=17672|date=20 February 2015}}</ref><ref>[http://livefist.blogspot.in/2012/04/first-look-maiden-flight-of-indias-2nd.html Livefist: FIRST LOOK: Maiden flight of the India's 2nd Indigenous AEW&C]</ref>

==Delivery==
[[File:DRDO AEW&C Embraer ERJ 145.JPG|thumb|Netra AEW&C in Aero India 2017|alt=|left]]The first fully modified aircraft for India's Airborne Early Warning and Control System landed on Indian soil at [[Centre for Airborne Systems]] (CABS) Bangalore, a DRDO laboratory at 22:10 hours at HAL airport, Wednesday night at 22 August 2012. The acceptance of the aircraft was completed over a period of 15 days at Embraer Facilities in Brazil, by a joint team from CABS, [[Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification]] (CEMILAC), Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) and Indian Air Force (IAF).

The aircraft ferried with several mission system external components of DRDO including the (AESA radar) Active Electronically scanned Array Antenna with passive electronics fitted on the aircraft. The arrival of this aircraft marks the beginning of another phase of journey leading to the next major milestone of integration of the DRDO developed mission system, which will be followed by development flight trials in India beginning of 2013. It may be noted that this is the first aircraft delivered by M/s Embraer for which the contract was signed in 2008. The next aircraft is expected to arrive in December 2012.

IAF took delivery of the second NETRA AEW&C on 11 September 2019 and deployed it at Bathinda Air Base in Punjab.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/sep/11/drdo-hands-over-second-netra-early-warning-system-to-iaf-2032231.html|title=DRDO hands over second 'Netra' early warning system to IAF|website=The New Indian Express|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref> The third Embraer platform was meant to remain with DRDO but now they are looking at the option of selling the aircraft to a foreign customer as a major diplomatic gesture.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/2018/02/indian-air-force-wants-home-grown-awacs-to-double-as-tanker.html|title=Indian Air Force Wants Home-Grown AWACS To Double As Tanker|last=Aroor|first=Shiv|website=Livefist|language=en-US|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref>

== Operational history ==
{{Main article|2019 Balakot airstrike}}

The first combat usage of the Netra AEW&C by the IAF was on 26 February 2019, during the [[2019 Balakot airstrike|Balakot airstrike]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2020/02/26/balakot-attack-mirage-2000-wasnt-only-star-unarmed-iaf-jets-also-played-role.html|title=Balakot attack: Mirage 2000 wasn't only star, unarmed IAF jets also played role|date=26 February 2020|access-date=20 September 2020|website=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]]}}</ref> Indonesia has requested a systems demonstration.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.militer.or.id/1630/indonesia-gets-in-line-for-indias-new-aewc-jet/|title=Indonesia Gets in Line For India’s New AEW&C Jet|last=Raditya|first=Rendy|date=13 February 2017|website=Militer.or.id|language=en-US|access-date=12 September 2019}}</ref>

==Future development==
DRDO and the Bengaluru-based Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) launched a new project to build larger and more capable AWACS. Initially, two AWACS aircraft were to be developed, with four more to follow at a later stage. Clearances for the project were received from the government in January 2013,<ref>{{cite news| url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-19/india/32316344_1_mini-awacs-project-phalcon-awacs-indigenous-aew-c-systems| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130827215300/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-06-19/india/32316344_1_mini-awacs-project-phalcon-awacs-indigenous-aew-c-systems| url-status= dead| archive-date= 27 August 2013| work= [[The Times of India]]| title= India to launch AWACS project to counter China and Pakistan| date=19 June 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India takes up AWACS programme, can penetrate enemy territory|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-01-25/news/36548343_1_awacs-drdo-v-k-saraswat|access-date=3 January 2014|newspaper=The Economic Times|date=25 January 2013}}</ref> and in March 2015 a decision was made to purchase two [[Airbus A330 MRTT|Airbus A330s]],<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/a330-selected-for-awacs-india-project-410708/ | title = A330 selected for AWACS India project | date = 30 March 2015 | first = Atul | last = Chandra | work = Flight Global }}</ref> which was expanded to six planes in February 2017;<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.financialexpress.com/economy/india-to-make-6-more-awacs-on-airbus-platform/548102/ | title = India to make 6 more AWACS on Airbus platform | date = 12 February 2017 | work = The Indian Express }}</ref> the planes will also double as [[Aerial refueling|aerial refuelers]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/next-gen-a-330-awacs-to-have-mid-air-refuelling-capability/articleshow/61862710.cms | title = Next-Gen A-330 AWACS to have mid-air refuelling capability | date = 30 November 2017 | work = The Economic Times | access-date = 5 March 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180305202640/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/next-gen-a-330-awacs-to-have-mid-air-refuelling-capability/articleshow/61862710.cms | archive-date = 5 March 2018 | url-status = dead }}</ref>

By April 2019, DRDO proposed an upgraded Netra AEW&CS based on [[EADS CASA C-295]] to the [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] as it already supports a static radar dome configuration. DRDO wanted C-295 to act as a common platform between currently used [[planar array radar]] with limited 240-degree coverage and the under development 360-degree static radar dome to save cost and time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defencenewsindia.com/drdo-offers-india-netra-aewc-on-airbus-c-295/|title=DRDO Offers India Netra AEW&C on Airbus C-295|date=5 April 2019|website=Defence News India|language=en-GB|access-date=13 September 2019}}</ref> Later on DRDO replaced C-295 for [[Airbus A330|Airbus A-330]] to make it act as both AWACS and aerial refueling tanker.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Philip|first=Snehesh Alex|date=2021-09-09|title=Modi govt okays 6 more ‘eyes in the sky’ for IAF, DRDO project to cost Rs 11,000 crore|url=https://theprint.in/defence/modi-govt-okays-6-more-eyes-in-the-sky-for-iaf-drdo-project-to-cost-rs-11000-crore/730697/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-10|website=ThePrint|language=en-US}}</ref>

The [[Cabinet Committee on Security]] (CCS) on September 2021 cleared ₹11,000 crore project for six AEW&CS. The platform will be [[Airbus A319]] or [[Airbus A321]] that will be purchased from [[Air India]] and modified by DRDO as per military standards.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Rahul|date=2021-09-09|title=DRDO to develop new early warning jets for IAF under ₹11,000 crore project|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdo-to-develop-new-early-warning-jets-for-iaf-under-rs-11000-crore-project-101631202114793.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-10|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

== Users ==
;{{flagu|India}}
*[[Indian Air Force]] : 3 in service

==See also==
* [[Embraer ERJ 145 family]]
* [[Embraer R-99]]
* [[Dassault Falcon 7X|Dassault Falcon 8X ARCHANGE]]
* [[GlobalEye|Saab GlobalEye]]
* [[Raytheon Sentinel]]
* [[Gulfstream G550|Gulfstream G550 CAEW Eitam]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:DRDO AEWandCS}}
[[Category:Military radars of India]]
[[Category:Military equipment of India]]

DRDO AEW&CS - Revision history

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