New Delhi, Jun 25 (NVI): The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Thursday received the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the indigenously developed Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts towards self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.
The FOC certificate was handed over during a ceremony held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, in the presence of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti and senior officials from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the IAF and industry partners.
The Netra AEW&C system, developed by DRDO in close collaboration with the IAF and domestic industry, is designed to enhance airborne surveillance, situational awareness and battle management capabilities. The system had received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017.
Addressing the gathering, Air Marshal Bharti highlighted the operational utility and reliability of the system, including its performance during Operation Sindoor and the Balakot strikes. He underscored the importance of indigenous technologies in enabling the armed forces to adapt quickly to evolving operational requirements.
DRDO’s Director General (Aeronautics Cluster), Dr K Rajalakshmi Menon, outlined the development journey of the programme and the challenges overcome to achieve the project objectives. She said system engineering played a crucial role in the planning and execution of flight tests.
Director General (Electronics Cluster), Dr BK Das, described the Netra programme as a testimony to the synergy between stakeholders and India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology.
Several organisations and units associated with the development and operationalisation of the system were felicitated during the event for their contributions.
According to DRDO, the induction of the Netra AEW&C system into operational service reflects the country’s commitment to indigenisation, innovation and strengthening the capabilities of the armed forces. (NVI)
