Bengaluru, June 25: India’s indigenously developed Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, which proved its operational effectiveness during the Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor, has received its Final Operational Clearance (FOC), marking a major milestone in the country’s pursuit of self-reliance in advanced defence technologies.
The Final Operational Clearance ceremony was organised by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Bengaluru in the presence of senior serving and retired officers of the Indian Air Force, DRDO scientists, industry partners and defence officials.
The ceremony was attended by Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, SYSM, AVSM, VM, Deputy Chief of the Indian Air Force, as the Chief Guest. Former Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd.) and former DRDO Chairman Dr. S. Christopher were the Guests of Honour.
Proven During Balakot and Operation Sindoor
Speaking at the event, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti highlighted the successful operational deployment of the indigenous Netra AEW&C system during the Balakot air strikes and Operation Sindoor.
He said the platform demonstrated exceptional reliability in real operational conditions and underscored the strategic advantage of indigenous defence systems, which can be rapidly upgraded and modified to meet evolving battlefield requirements.
He praised the close collaboration between the Indian Air Force, DRDO and Indian defence industries, describing it as the foundation of the programme’s success.
Major Boost to India’s Airborne Surveillance
Developed jointly by DRDO, the Indian Air Force and Indian defence industry partners, the Netra AEW&C system significantly enhances India’s airborne surveillance, situational awareness, command-and-control and network-centric warfare capabilities.
The platform provides real-time aerial monitoring and strengthens the Indian Air Force’s ability to detect, track and coordinate responses against aerial threats.
Journey from Development to Operational Service
DRDO’s Director General (Aeronautics Cluster), Dr. K. Rajalakshmi Menon, described the programme’s journey from conception to operational induction, highlighting the technological challenges overcome during development.
She said system engineering and extensive flight testing played a crucial role in delivering an operationally capable platform that meets the Indian Air Force’s requirements.
Indigenous Collaboration at Its Best
Director General (Electronics Cluster), Dr. B.K. Das, said the success of the programme reflected the strong partnership between DRDO laboratories, Indian industry, certification agencies and the Indian Air Force.
He described Netra AEW&C as a symbol of India’s growing defence self-reliance and a significant contribution towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
FOC Certificate Handed Over
During the ceremony, Chief Executive (Airworthiness) A.P.V.S. Prasad formally handed over the Final Operational Clearance certificate to the Indian Air Force.
Former Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria and former DRDO Chairman Dr. S. Christopher also addressed the gathering, highlighting the strategic importance of the programme and the collaborative ecosystem that enabled its success.
Recognition for Key Contributors
DRDO honoured organisations, laboratories, industry partners and operational units that played a key role in developing, testing and operationalising the Netra AEW&C system.
Officials said the achievement of Final Operational Clearance marks not only a technological milestone but also a major strategic advancement in strengthening India’s airborne surveillance, battle management and command-and-control capabilities.
The successful induction of the Netra AEW&C system into operational service reinforces India’s commitment to indigenous innovation and the modernisation of its armed forces.
