IAF Eyes Next Generation AEW&C Systems with 360° Radar and 8+ Hours Endurance to Strengthen Air Defence

India is taking a major step forward in upgrading its air defense capabilities as the Indian Air Force (IAF) looks to acquire six indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems. These high-tech systems are essential for providing real-time situational awareness and enhancing the country's defense against a growing range of aerial threats. The recent Request for Information (RFI) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) underlines the urgency to equip the IAF with next-generation surveillance technology, and it also pushes for more home-grown innovations under the 'Make in India' initiative.

A New Era in Indian Air Defence

The new AEW&C systems are expected to vastly improve the IAF’s ability to detect, track, and neutralize airborne threats over long ranges. These aircraft-mounted systems will feature a cutting-edge Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with 360-degree coverage, ensuring comprehensive monitoring of the airspace. Unlike older systems, this AESA radar will not only detect enemy aircraft but also track smaller threats like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), helicopters, and even hypersonic missiles, making it a versatile tool for modern warfare.

The current Netra AEW&C, based on the Embraer ERJ-145 platform, provides a good foundation, but the newly proposed system marks a leap in sophistication. The AESA radar, for instance, will not only be more powerful but also capable of operating in 4D, offering precise tracking of altitude, direction, distance, and velocity. This improved radar will significantly outperform the 3D systems currently in service, enabling the IAF to engage faster-moving and higher-altitude threats with precision.

Key Specifications: Beyond Just Endurance

One of the most critical upgrades in this new system will be its extended endurance. The aircraft selected for the AEW&C will need to fly for over eight hours at a stretch and be equipped with air-to-air refueling to extend its operational range even further. This will enable continuous surveillance over vast areas, particularly over high-altitude zones where strategic threats may emerge. Additionally, these aircraft must be able to operate from airfields at higher elevations, a requirement that underscores India’s need to monitor airspace over its mountainous borders.

The radar system won't just track airborne threats. It will also have specialized modes to monitor ground activity, making it useful for border surveillance and even tracking fast-moving threats like hypersonic missiles. With these capabilities, the IAF will have a robust early warning system that can not only detect enemy aircraft but also function as a command and control center for other forces, integrating data and coordinating responses across multiple platforms.

Advanced Defensive and Electronic Capabilities

The AEW&C system will be more than just a surveillance tool. It will feature advanced electronic surveillance measures (ESM), giving it the ability to detect enemy radars, communications, and jamming signals. This capability will be critical in identifying and countering threats that rely on stealth or electronic warfare.

Further enhancing its defensive capabilities, the system will include missile warning systems and countermeasures to protect itself from potential attacks. These countermeasures may include electronic jamming, flares, and chaff to misdirect incoming missiles, ensuring the aircraft's survivability in hostile environments.

Indigenous Focus and Make in India

The MoD has strongly emphasized the importance of indigenization in this procurement process. Although there’s no explicit requirement for a fully indigenous system, vendors are encouraged to propose solutions that incorporate significant Indian-made components. This aligns with the broader national goal of reducing dependence on foreign military imports and fostering local defense innovation.

To ensure this, the procurement will follow the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020 guidelines, which prioritize domestic manufacturing. The timeline for delivery ranges between 36 to 60 months from the time of contract signing, indicating the MoD’s determination to field these systems as soon as possible.

Implications for India’s Air Defense Network

The addition of these advanced AEW&C systems will transform the IAF’s operational capabilities. By integrating the new systems into its existing network, the IAF will enhance its ability to conduct network-centric operations, where real-time data sharing and seamless coordination between different branches of the armed forces are essential.

The AEW&C systems will also bolster India's strategic deterrence by acting as a force multiplier during conflict. Their long-range radar capabilities and battle management systems will provide the IAF with the ability to detect enemy formations far beyond India’s borders, giving commanders crucial early warning and decision-making time.

While the aircraft platform for this new system hasn’t been specified in the RFI, the endurance and operational requirements suggest that it will likely surpass the capabilities of the Airbus A320 used in the current Netra AEW&C. The aircraft will have to support the much larger and more sophisticated 4D AESA radar, further elevating India's air defense network to cutting-edge levels.

In essence, the acquisition of these six AEW&C systems marks a significant boost to India's defense preparedness. The IAF will gain a powerful tool for air surveillance, situational awareness, and command and control, placing it on par with some of the world’s most advanced air forces.

With its new AEW&C systems, the Indian Air Force is set to achieve a major technological upgrade. These systems, with their advanced radars, extended endurance, and indigenous components, represent a vital addition to India’s defense infrastructure. As India faces a dynamic and challenging security environment, these sophisticated platforms will provide the IAF with the tools needed to defend its skies effectively and maintain strategic superiority over its adversaries.

This procurement is a clear statement of intent from the Indian Ministry of Defence — to modernize, to indigenize, and to enhance the country's ability to respond to 21st-century threats.