MOD to Procure Six Indigenous Radar Aircraft to Enhance IAF's Surveillance Capabilities
In a significant move to bolster its aerial surveillance capabilities, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has issued a request for information (RFI) to acquire six Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&CS) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This initiative, announced on July 19, 2024, is aimed at enhancing the IAF’s ability to detect and track aerial threats over long distances, thereby strengthening national security.
The RFI specifies that only Indian vendors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are eligible to participate, reflecting the MOD's commitment to promoting domestic defense manufacturing under the "Make in India" initiative. The AEW&CS, often referred to as "eyes in the skies," are sophisticated systems that include radar, electronic surveillance measures, communication support, and command and control functionalities. These systems are crucial for maintaining situational awareness and providing early warning of potential threats.
Key requirements outlined in the RFI include the need for jet-engine aircraft with a minimum endurance of eight hours and the capability for air-to-air refueling. The aircraft must operate at altitudes of 40,000 feet or higher and achieve cruise speeds above Mach 0.7. The radar system must offer 360-degree coverage and be capable of detecting and tracking a range of targets, from large aircraft to small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), at distances exceeding 550 kilometers and altitudes from 100 feet to 65,000 feet.
In addition to radar capabilities, the AEW&CS must include an identification friend or foe (IFF) system, a self-protection electronic warfare suite, data links, and a comprehensive mission suite for seamless integration with the IAF’s command and control network. These requirements ensure that the new systems will significantly enhance the IAF’s network-centric warfare capabilities.
The IAF currently operates a limited fleet of three Russian-origin A-50 aircraft, based on the IL-76 airframe and equipped with Israeli avionics, and two indigenously developed Netra aircraft from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Despite the existing capabilities, the IAF has identified a need for a total of 12 AEW&CS to effectively monitor its extensive airspace, especially along its borders with China and Pakistan.
China and Pakistan possess more extensive and advanced AEW&CS fleets compared to India. China operates around 20 Shaanxi KJ-500 aircraft, four Shaanxi KJ-200 aircraft, and four KJ-2000 aircraft. Pakistan’s fleet includes four Chinese ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagles and eight Swedish Saab 2000 Erieye platforms. The disparity in fleet sizes underscores the importance of expanding and modernizing India’s AEW&CS capabilities.
The DRDO is actively working on an advanced AEW&CS program to develop a more sophisticated mission suite than the one currently deployed on the Netra aircraft. The Netra has already proven its operational value, having been deployed during the Balakot airstrike in 2019. The ongoing development efforts by DRDO are expected to result in cutting-edge systems that will further enhance the IAF’s operational effectiveness.
This RFI marks a significant step forward in the MOD's efforts to modernize India's defense infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign technology. By prioritizing indigenous solutions, the MOD aims to foster a robust defense manufacturing ecosystem in India, ultimately contributing to national security and economic growth.
