The Indian Air Force (IAF), which is short of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, a critical force multiplier, is looking at the procurement of 12 aircraft under two different programmes. One of them is a follow-on order of six AEW&C systems mounted on Embraer aircraft, akin to the three Netra systems in service. One official involved in the project said the AEW&C mounted on the Airbus aircraft would provide 300-degree coverage. The IAF also operates three Israeli Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) in addition to the Netra AEW&C systems. A shortage of these force multipliers was felt during the aerial engagement with the Pakistan Air Force a day after the Balakot air strike in February 2019.

Source: The Hindu October 07, 2024 14:31 UTC