First indigenous built Airborne Early Warning and Control System-“NETRA”

  • The Indian Air force (IAF) has formally inducted the first indigenously built Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) dubbed as NETRA.
  • The AEW&C NETRA has been indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
  • It was launched at the 2017 Aero India exhibition held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • AEW&C are airborne radar systems mounted on a carrier jet for airborne surveillance system.
  • This is to detect and track aircraft, missiles, ships and vehicles and provide command and control to direct friendly forces.
  • It consists of active electronically scanned radar, secondary surveillance radar, electronic and communication counter measures, LOS (Line of Sight) and beyond-LOS data link,.
  • It also has a voice communication system AEW&C NETRA system which is based on Embraer aircraft (Emb-145 platform).
  • It has self-protection suite and also mid-air refuelling capability to enhance surveillance time.
  • This system gives 240° coverage of airspace.
  • DRDO has developed three NETRA systems and its three aircraft will be based at Bhatinda, facing the Western border.
  • With this India, joins select club of other countries such as United States, Russia and Israel which have developed the AEW&C system.

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