By Girish Linganna 

Apr 2: India is tactically advancing its defence strategies by creating and implementing advanced, domestically produced Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, also known as ‘Eyes in the Sky’. This advancement is poised to significantly bolster its capabilities for monitoring and early detection of potential threats. 

AEW&C systems are highly prized by military organizations worldwide for their ability to act as a force-multiplier. These modern AEW&C/Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) platforms integrate a variety of sensors and systems for communication and data-processing, delivering robust capabilities in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR). In congested airspaces, these systems are crucial for cutting through the clutter of situational awareness and improving the command and control capabilities of friendly aircraft, which is vital for successful engagement with hostile aircraft in aerial combat. 

The radar stands as the cornerstone sensor in airborne systems, esteemed for its ability to identify moving targets from afar, under any weather conditions, while providing a clear image. India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has triumphantly designed and built a wholly indigenous radar system tailored for AEW&C applications. This feat underscores India’s prowess in conceptualizing and producing the entire system—from its sophisticated electronics to the antenna array. Notably, such critical components as the Transmit and Receive modules have been intricately engineered by the DRDO and manufactured in collaboration with industrial partners. 

Indian AEW&C Evolution

The Airborne Surveillance Warning and Control (ASWAC) Centre was assigned the mission to investigate the feasibility of an indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). By 1991, it had transformed into the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), with renewed focus on the design and development of AWACS technology. CABS took on the challenge of converting an Avro aircraft into a streamlined Airborne Surveillance Platform (ASP). This initiative achieved significant milestones with the successful creation and testing of essential elements, such as the primary radar and data links. But the project met with a devastating setback when an accident occurred, plunging CABS into a state of mourning.

In 2004, the Indian government showed the green light to the ambitious AEW&C programme, embarking on a journey filled with dramatic highs and lows, echoing the suspenseful twists of a gripping novel. Teams at the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) and the DRDO poured their expertise into the initiative. Collaborative efforts spanned across multiple specialized centres, such as the Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), the Defence Electronics Research Laboratory (DLRL), the Defence Electronics Applications Laboratory (DEAL) and the Defence Avionics Research Establishment (DARE).

These teams were bolstered by dedicated support from the Indian Air Force (IAF) project team stationed at CABS, along with the oversight of the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CeMilAC), the Directorate-General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA), the DRDO headquarters, the IAF headquarters and various IAF squadrons. The Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) also played a crucial role. Through this concerted effort, India elevated its technological prowess in airborne surveillance, joining the ranks of nations with advanced aerial reconnaissance capabilities. 

Joint endeavours set the stage for the creation of a homegrown Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. This project set in motion the development of three integral AEW&C components:

i)                    An innovative Active Electronically Scanned Antenna Primary Radar (PR)

ii)                  A robust Identification Friend or Foe system (IFF) and comprehensive Electronic Intelligence (ElInt) and

iii)                Signals Intelligence (SigInt) capabilities. This systems suite was engineered for integration onto the Embraer-145 executive jet. Designed with full network-centric operations in mind, it harnesses both line-of-sight and satellite communication data links for expansive connectivity. Additionally, the system boasts a sophisticated onboard mission computer that enables operators to merge information and manage missions efficiently. With the use of flexible operator workstations, crew members can maximize the NETRA system’s potential to its fullest extent 

The first home-built AEW&C system was ceremoniously delivered to the IAF on February 14, 2017, amid the international buzz of the Aero India Exhibition. This landmark event marked a significant achievement for the teams at CABS, DRDO, and the IAF, representing the fruits of labour of the developers, manufacturers, and end-users. 

Preceding this milestone, the AEW&C had its debut in the skies during the Republic Day fly-past on January 26, 2017. Its call sign, ‘NETRA’, was proudly announced as the aircraft made its majestic flyby of the main viewing stand, a moniker that has since become synonymous with the system’s identity. 

Operations Management

The ‘Intercept Control and Battle Management’ (IC&BM) system aboard serves as an essential instrument for Air Battle Managers, also known as Fighter Controllers, to secure and sustain aerial dominance in contested skies. This system aids the Fighter Controller assess airborne threats, execute strategic actions, neutralize these threats, direct fighters on attack missions and ensure their safe return to base. 

Additionally, the IC&BM feature assesses the robustness and vulnerability of interceptors under various threat scenarios. The Intercept Control aspect provides a spectrum of interception strategies for the operator’s consideration, facilitating the deployment of fighter jets in response to identified threats. The IC&BM system encompasses five core functions:

o   Sophisticated Threat Assessment

o   Tactical Command

o   Armament Allocation

o   Interception Management, and

o   Navigation & Retrieval

The Operator Work Station (OWS) acts as the critical link connecting the crew to the onboard mission systems within the AEW&C framework. Developed in-house by CABS, the OWS provides a dynamic, intuitive and resilient Human-Machine Interface (HMI) that presents a real-time, detailed tactical aerial picture to the operators. This interface empowers operators with heightened situational awareness over the airspace under surveillance. 

The Ground Exploitation Station (GES) plays an essential role as a conduit between the AEW&C and the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), ensuring fluid exchange of information and directives. The live Recognizable Air Situation Picture (RASP) crafted by the AEW&C is relayed to the GES, which, through a dedicated interface unit, integrates with the IACCS to disseminate tactical data to ground-based decision-makers. Conversely, commands from the IACCS to the AEW&C are also routed via the GES, completing the circle of communication. 

Upon integration into the IACCS network, the sensor data becomes universally accessible across India, enhancing strategic reach. The GES, with its flexible and portable design, is exceptionally well-suited for swift deployment and transport. Multiple GES units can operate in tandem, facilitating concurrent real-time access to sensor data from different strategic points. 

In the context of modern warfare, Network-Centric Operations (NCOs) are the backbone of highly fluid and formidable combat environments. NCOs empower forces with improved, instantaneous awareness of the battlefield, which is crucial for making timely decisions. A testament to this capability is the Indian Air Force’s successful integration of its NETRA (AEW&C) and Phalcon (AWACS) systems into its comprehensive air command and control framework. 

This ongoing augmentation of the automated air defence network, through advanced data linkages, strives to bring a variety of military and civilian radar systems under one umbrella to comprehensively cover and secure the nation’s airspace. 

And, Moving Forward

The IAF faces an urgent need to expand its fleet of AEW&C aircraft, particularly in the light of ongoing tensions with China in Ladakh’s eastern region, which have underscored this requirement. The initial deployment of the NETRA Mark-1 has met with positive results, with support systems responding swiftly, leading to a notable rise in operational efficiency. In partnership with the DRDO and other organizations, the IAF is ensuring that maintenance demands are met quickly and effectively. 

The performance of the NETRA Mark-1 has proved to be a significant enhancement to India’s aerial reconnaissance capabilities, reflecting the nation’s progress in defence technologies. The IAF is actively pushing forward with plans to acquire 6 Mark-1A and 6 Mark-2 versions of the NETRA AEW&C aircraft to bolster its aerial surveillance and defence infrastructure. 

The NETRA Mark-1 is built upon the Embraer-145 executive jet, boasting a flight endurance of four hours. This model is equipped with the advanced EL/M-2050 AESA Radar as its primary radar system, supplemented by an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system, also known as Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR) and Electronic Support Measures (ESM) sensors. Its comprehensive network-centric capabilities are underpinned by a variety of line-of-sight (LoS) and satellite communication links, supported by sophisticated onboard and mission computer systems 

The system facilitates voice communication through C-Band Data Link (CBDL), Ku-Band satellite communication data link (KBDL) and V/UHF radio links. While specific financial details remain confidential, the NETRA Mark-1 is broadly recognized for its cost-efficiency, especially in comparison to similar systems available from international suppliers. 

The NETRA Mark-1A utilizes the ERJ-145LR aircraft as its foundation. This upgraded model features the sophisticated EL/W-2085 AESA as its primary radar system. It also boasts additional intelligence-gathering capabilities—including electronic intelligence (ElInt) and signal intelligence (SigInt) sensors. With an improved endurance time of five hours, the Mark-1A is anticipated to join the IAF fleet by 2025. 

The NETRA Mark-2 is set to offer a substantially upgraded performance with its detection range, resolution and tracking capabilities far exceeding those of the mechanically scanned radars in the Mark-1 and Mark-1A models. The Mark-2 will feature the DRDO’s state-of-the-art Uttam AESA Radar, which boasts advanced detection ranges extending beyond 500 km. With a high operational ceiling of 40,000 feet and an extended endurance of up to 8 hours, the Mark-2 is expected to be ready for development and delivery around 2026-’27. 

This advanced model will integrate data from electronic intelligence and Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS), significantly improving threat detection and providing comprehensive situational awareness for informed decision-making. It will also incorporate sophisticated imaging systems, including Electro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensors, to ensure unparalleled situational clarity under any lighting conditions—day or night. 

For its platform, the Mark-2 will utilize refurbished Airbus-321 aircraft acquired from Air India, with plans for the aircraft to sustain operations for eight-hour missions. The first flight trials for the NETRA MK-2 are tentatively scheduled for 2025. 

Future Directions

The development of a homegrown AEW&C system should be tailored to fit the unique demands of the operational landscape, ensuring seamless, proficient and potent functionality. It is imperative for the design teams and operational personnel to collaborate closely, emphasizing ongoing research and development for superior system architecture. 

Regular, time-sensitive discussions among all stakeholders are crucial for crafting an innovative operational blueprint. Only through unified endeavours can the system achieve peak user accessibility and efficiency. R&D activities, along with investigations into various operational aspects, must be a focus for all overseeing bodies. Key areas that warrant consideration include the following: 

• Channeling resources into the research and development of vital technologies such as cutting-edge sensors, aircraft structures and software should be prioritized to minimize reliance on international vendors and support local development efforts.
• The national defence industry stands to gain from increased engagement with the private sector, enhanced collaboration between universities and industry and a streamlining of regulations to foster greater efficiency and innovation
• Forming strategic partnerships for technology exchange and joint projects with allied nations can also be beneficial
• It is advisable to adopt a gradual approach, starting with mastering basic capabilities using readily accessible tools and methodically advancing towards complete self-reliance in production
• Additionally, establishing in-country testing and certification capabilities, along with their optimization, is crucial for development 

In Summary

The NETRA AEW&C has proved its operational effectiveness during real-world missions, such as in Balakot, and has become an integral part of the IAF’s Airborne Surveillance Systems with two NETRA units in service. Given the fluid nature of regional geopolitics and evolving threat assessments, it is worth prioritizing the rapid development and production of AEW&C systems to address the IAF’s pressing requirements. 

(The author Girish Linganna of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)