At recent meet, India celebrates this ‘fierce force’ to reckon with in the air…

Bengaluru: The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful accomplishment of Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the Indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, a major boost to the nation’s airborne surveillance and network-centric warfare capabilities.

The grand ceremony was witnessed by Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti as the Chief Guest, former Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and former chairman of DRDO, Dr. S Christopher, as the Guests of Honour.

The Netra AEW&C system represents a landmark achievement in India’s journey towards self-reliance in advanced aerospace and defence technologies. Developed indigenously through close collaboration between the Indian Air Force, DRDO, and associated defence Indian industries, the system significantly enhances airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capability.

Speaking on the occasion, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti expressed his happiness for the Final Operation Clearance of Netra AEW&C, which is indigenously built.

He spoke about the operational utilization and reliability of Netra AEW&C during the Balakot strikes and Operation Sindoor and further reiterated the importance of indigenous technologies which offer the Tri-Services the flexibility to adapt the system to the evolving war scenario by undertaking modifications. 

He lauded the synergy between DRDO, IAF and the industry which has defined the success of the programme.

Director-General of the Aeronautics Cluster of DRDO, Dr. K Rajalakshmi Menon, in her address, narrated the journey of NETRA from inception to induction.

She brought out the challenges faced and the decisions taken that enabled them to achieve the programme objectives and deliver the operationally capable system to the IAF.