DRDO’s ‘Netra’ system gets clearance

• Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over 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 AEW&C system consists of sensors mounted on an aircraft, for locating and providing early warning of airborne and sea surface targets and hostile emissions. 

• It is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that provides 240-degree coverage, enabling it to detect, track, and identify enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, and even naval vessels from extended ranges. 

• Unlike ground-based radars, which are limited by the Earth’s curvature, Netra operates at high altitudes, offering a significantly expanded field of view.

• It also provides comprehensive information to the controllers on-board of the aircraft as well as to the ground stations.

• The system is equipped with a comprehensive suite — radar, electronic warfare systems, secure communication and self-protection.

• 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. 

• The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) was given in 2017.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)