India’s indigenous Netra AEW&C system receives Final Operational Clearance
On June 25, 2026, India’s DRDO granted Final Operational Clearance for the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control system, mounted on an Embraer EMB-145I aircraft with an AESA radar. Developed by CABS in Bengaluru, the system achieves full combat readiness nearly a decade after initial clearance in 2017. India becomes the fifth country globally to develop this capability, enhancing IAF surveillance and battle management. The system has already supported operations including the 2019 Balakot strikes and 2025’s Operation Sindoor.
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Indian Air Force Receives Final Operational Clearance for Indigenous Netra AEW&C System
On 25 June 2026, the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) formally handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate for the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Developed by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru and operating on the Embraer EMB-145I aircraft platform, the system has completed all trials and validation and is now fully combat-ready. The Netra AEW&C system features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with approximately 240° coverage and detection ranges up to 375 km, along with IFF, ESM, communications support, and secure networks. It enhances IAF’s airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capabilities by providing real-time air operations pictures to fighter jets and ground command centers. The FOC follows initial operational clearance in 2017, and the system has already been used in missions like the 2019 Balakot strikes and the 2025 Operation Sindoor.
Airforce TechnologyIndia's DRDO Grants Final Operational Clearance for Netra AEW&C System to IAF
India's Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has issued the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The system, mounted on an Embraer EMB-145I platform, is now fully combat-ready after completing all trials and validations. Developed by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru, the Netra system features an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar with approximately 240° coverage and detection ranges up to 375 km, along with IFF equipment, electronic support measures, and secure communications. The FOC, announced on 25 June 2026, follows the system's initial operational clearance in 2017. The Netra has reportedly supported IAF operations including the 2019 Balakot strikes and 2025's Operation Sindoor, enhancing airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capabilities beyond ground-based radar reach.
Airforce TechnologyDRDO hands over Final Operational Clearance for indigenous Netra AEW&C system to Indian Air Force
India's Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has formally handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate for the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 25 June 2026. Developed by the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru, the system operates on the Embraer EMB-145I aircraft and includes an AESA radar, IFF equipment, electronic support measures, and secure communication networks. The AESA radar provides approximately 240° coverage and can detect targets up to 375 km, enhancing the IAF's airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capabilities. The FOC comes nearly a decade after the system received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017 and follows its operational use in missions including the Balakot strikes in 2019 and Operation Sindoor in 2025. The Ministry of Defence highlighted the achievement as a reflection of DRDO's commitment to indigenisation and defence capability enhancement.
Airforce TechnologyExplained: Netra AEW&C – India's Indigenous 'Eye in the Sky' Strengthens Air Power
India has reached a major defense milestone as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The FOC, achieved in 2026 nearly nine years after Initial Operational Clearance in 2017, certifies the platform for full-fledged service. Netra is India's first indigenously developed AEW&C system, mounted on a Brazilian-made Embraer EMB-145 aircraft. It features an indigenous Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying airborne and maritime targets over long distances. The system also integrates secondary surveillance radar, electronic support and countermeasures, secure communications, and air-to-air refueling capability. India becomes the fifth country in the world to develop such capability. The platform acts as a force multiplier, enhancing network-centric warfare and situational awareness for the IAF, particularly in border and maritime surveillance.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.India’s indigenous Netra AEW&C system receives Final Operational Clearance
On June 25, 2026, India's indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, developed by DRDO's Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), was granted Final Operational Clearance (FOC) in Bengaluru. Integrated on a Brazilian Embraer EMB-145I aircraft, the system features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and advanced mission systems. Netra has proven its value as a force multiplier during the 2019 Balakot strikes and last year's Operation Sindoor. At the ceremony, scientists and IAF officers dedicated the achievement to eight personnel killed in a 1999 air crash that briefly halted the program. DRDO Aeronautics Cluster chief K. Rajalakshmi Menon stated the sacrifice was not in vain. India is the fifth country globally to develop this capability, enhancing IAF's network-centric operations. The program originally began in the 1980s, was paused after the 1999 crash, and restarted in 2004.
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