NEW DELHI: In a major milestone for India’s defence sector and the push for self-reliance in military technology, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the indigenous ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The achievement marks the successful completion of a project that significantly strengthens India’s airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capabilities.
The FOC certification was formally handed over during a ceremony held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on June 25. The event was presided over by Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti and attended by senior serving and retired officers of the IAF, DRDO scientists, industry partners, and key stakeholders associated with the programme.
Indigenous Defence Capability Reaches New Milestone
The Netra AEW&C system has been developed indigenously through close cooperation between the IAF, DRDO, and Indian defence industries. The system is designed to provide real-time airborne surveillance, early warning of potential threats, and command-and-control support during military operations.
The programme had received its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017, allowing operational deployment while further refinements and testing continued. With the grant of FOC, the system has now achieved full operational capability and is officially cleared for comprehensive service deployment.
Proven Performance in Military Operations
Addressing the gathering, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti highlighted the operational effectiveness and reliability of the Netra system. He noted that the platform played an important role during key military operations, including the Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor.
He emphasized that indigenous technologies provide the armed forces with greater flexibility to adapt systems according to evolving battlefield requirements. The Air Marshal also praised the close coordination among the IAF, DRDO, and industry partners, describing it as a key factor behind the programme’s success.
DRDO Scientists Recall Development Journey
Distinguished Scientist and Director General of DRDO’s Aeronautics Cluster, Dr. K. Rajalakshmi Menon, outlined the development journey of the Netra programme. She discussed the technical and operational challenges encountered during the project and highlighted the importance of systems engineering in ensuring successful planning, integration, and execution of flight trials.
According to her, careful engineering and coordinated testing enabled the team to deliver a robust and operationally capable surveillance platform to the Indian Air Force.
Meanwhile, Distinguished Scientist and Director General of DRDO’s Electronics Cluster, Dr. B.K. Das, described the Netra programme as a shining example of collaboration among multiple stakeholders. He said the project demonstrates India’s growing capability in advanced defence electronics and contributes significantly to the vision of a self-reliant and developed India.
Recognition for Key Contributors
During the ceremony, several organisations, units, and personnel who played crucial roles in the development and operationalisation of the Netra AEW&C system were felicitated. Officials acknowledged that the project’s success was made possible through the collective efforts of scientists, engineers, operational users, and industrial partners.
The programme was praised as an example of how cooperation between defence services, research institutions, and production agencies can lead to the successful development of sophisticated military technologies within the country.
Rajnath Singh Hails Strategic Achievement
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Indian Air Force, and industry partners on the achievement. He stated that the grant of Final Operational Clearance is not only a technological accomplishment but also a significant strategic advancement that strengthens India’s airborne surveillance and command-and-control capabilities.
Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated the AEW&C team and the Aeronautics Cluster for successfully achieving the milestone.
Strengthening India’s Defence Preparedness
The induction of the fully operational Netra AEW&C system represents a major step forward in India’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. By enhancing aerial monitoring, threat detection, and battlefield management capabilities, the system is expected to play a critical role in safeguarding India’s airspace and supporting future military operations.
The achievement reinforces India’s commitment to developing advanced defence technologies domestically and reducing dependence on foreign military systems, further advancing the nation’s goal of defence self-reliance.
