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DRDO Hands Over FOC of Netra AEW&C: India Becomes 5th Nation to Develop Indigenous AEW&C Capability

Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains HighStatic GK Link
26 Jun 2026
~2 min
Source: The Hindu
Key Data:FOC June 2026IOC 20173 Netra + 3 Phalcon AWACSNetra Mk-2 ₹19,000 crore>500 km detection rangeEmbraer EMB-145
Bodies:DRDOIAFCEMILACDGAQACentre for Airborne Systems (CABS)No. 200 Squadron
Practice MCQs from today's news ▸
What This Article Covers

1.DRDO hands over Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of Netra AEW&C to IAF after operational evaluation since IOC in 2017.

2.India becomes the fifth country in the world to develop indigenous AEW&C capability, enhancing self-reliance in defence.

3.Future plans include six Netra Mk-2 systems on Airbus A321 with over 500 km detection range at a cost of ₹19,000 crore.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · High

Netra AEW&C is India's first indigenously developed airborne early warning system, mounted on Embraer EMB-145. DRDO handed over Final Operational Clearance to IAF in June 2026, making India the fifth country globally to develop this capability. This force multiplier enhances surveillance, network-centric warfare, and reduces import dependence, with future upgrades including Netra Mk-2 at ₹19,000 crore.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

DeveloperDRDO
PlatformEmbraer EMB-145
Radar TypeActive Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
Current Fleet (IAF)3 Netra + 3 Phalcon AWACS
FOC DateJune 2026
IOC Year2017
Future ProgramNetra Mk-2: 6 aircraft, ₹19,000 cr, >500 km range

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Developer: DRDO
  • ›Platform: Embraer EMB-145
  • ›Target this Data: FOC handed over in June 2026; IOC in 2017; 3 Netra + 3 Phalcon in IAF; Netra Mk-2 budget ₹19,000 crore; detection range >500 km.
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: DRDO (developer), CEMILAC & DGAQA (certification agencies), Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS, Bengaluru).
  • ›Target this Legal Point: Not applicable; but understand the difference between IOC and FOC in defence procurement.

Mastered this topic? Test your knowledge with a full MCQ quiz.

Practice exam-style questions, track your score, and strengthen your recall.

Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which organization developed the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements:

1. Netra AEW&C is mounted on the Brazilian-made Embraer EMB-145 aircraft.

2. India is the first country in Asia to develop an indigenous AEW&C system.

3. The Netra Mk-2 programme will be based on Airbus A321 aircraft with over 500 km detection range.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

What is the allocated budget for the Netra Mk-2 programme as mentioned in the article?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary role of the Netra AEW&C system in modern warfare?

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