The Indian Air Force's air defence capabilities are set to receive a significant boost with the development of the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk II, as two deals have been signed in this regard.
The Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed a contract with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) for the conversion of six A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration, paving the way for their development into AEW&C Mk II platforms.
A separate contract has been signed with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL), which will serve as the development-cum-production partner for the mission systems designed for the programme.
Often described as the "eyes in the skies", AEW&C aircraft are critical to modern air warfare, providing long-range surveillance and early warning of threats while allowing forces to coordinate their response in real time.
The AEW&C Mk II is expected to further strengthen these capabilities for the IAF. The system will provide "enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communication, improved situational awareness and enhanced command and control capabilities," a statement from the defence ministry read.
These capabilities will give the IAF a better picture of the operational environment and help it detect and respond to threats across extended ranges, providing a major boost to India's air defence capabilities.
Under the programme, CABS, with support from ADSTL, will integrate the mission systems on the modified AEW&C Mk II platforms delivered by Airbus Defence & Space. CABS and ADSTL will also conduct flight testing alongside the IAF to secure certification from the relevant airworthiness agencies.
Adani Defence & Aerospace said it will work with DRDO to develop, manufacture and integrate the airborne mission systems on the six modified Airbus A321 aircraft. The programme also covers integrated logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and technical support for up to 30 years.
Adani Defence described itself as the "first private Indian company entrusted with the development, integration and 30 years of lifecycle support for an airborne mission platform."
The programme is also being positioned as a boost to India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative by involving domestic industry in the development, integration, production and long-term support of the aircraft's mission systems.
The induction of the AEW&C Mk II into the IAF is planned for 2032-33.
