New Delhi, 26 June 2026: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the handing over of the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the Indigenous ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The system has been indigenously developed through close collaboration among the IAF, DRDO, and associated industries to significantly enhance airborne surveillance, situational awareness & battle management capability. It represents a landmark achievement in India’s journey towards self-reliance in advanced aerospace & defence technologies. The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) was given in 2017. The ceremony was presided over by the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti in Bengaluru, Karnataka on June 25, 2026. Former Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd), former DRDO Chairman Dr S Christopher, serving and retired senior officers of IAF, Outstanding Scientist & Director Centre for Air Borne System (CABS) P Santhya, Outstanding Scientist and Chief Executive (Airworthiness) APVS Prasad, Scientist ‘G” & Head NETRA FOC AS Kumaran, other senior officials of DRDO, and industry partners attended the event. In his address, the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff appreciated the FOC of indigenous Netra AEW&C. He spoke about the operational utilisation and reliability of the system during Operation Sindoor and Balakot strikes. He reiterated the importance of indigenous technologies which offer the services the flexibility to adapt the system to the evolving war scenario by undertaking modifications. He lauded the synergy among DRDO, IAF and the industry which has defined the success of the programme. Distinguished Scientist and Director General of Aeronautics Cluster of DRDO Dr K Rajalakshmi Menon narrated the successful journey of NETRA. She brought out the challenges faced and the decisions taken that enabled to achieve the programme objectives and deliver the operationally capable system to IAF. She emphasised the importance of System Engineering and how it helped in the planning and execution of flight-tests. Distinguished Scientist and Director General of Electronics Cluster of DRDO Dr BK Das stated that the synergy among the stakeholders has been the cornerstone of success of this programme. He termed Netra AEW&C as a defining testimony to self-reliance and attaining ‘Viksit Bharat’. Recognition of Key Contributors As part of the event, special appreciation and felicitations were extended to organisations and units that played a pivotal role in the successful realisation and operationalisation of the Netra AEW&C system. The contributions of all stakeholders were acknowledged as instrumental in transforming the system from concept to operational reality. Milestone in Indigenous Capability Development The successful induction of the Netra AEW&C system into operational service reflects DRDO’s commitment to indigenisation, innovation, and capability enhancement of the Defence Services. The programme stands as a shining example of synergy between operational users, scientific agencies, and defence production establishments. Commending DRDO, IAF & the industry, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has stated that the achievement of FOC marks not only a technological milestone, but also a strategic advancement in strengthening India’s airborne surveillance and command-and-control capabilities. Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Rajesh Kumar Singh congratulated DG (Aero) and TEAM AEW&C for achieving the milestone. (Courtesy: PIB/MoD)
