The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) today signed two major contracts with industry partners to advance the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Mk-II programme, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s indigenous airborne surveillance capabilities.
The Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), the DRDO laboratory leading the programme, signed a contract with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) for the conversion of six Airbus A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration. The modified aircraft will serve as the platform for the development and production of the AEW&C Mk-II system.
In a separate agreement, CABS signed a contract with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) to induct the company as the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) for the mission systems of the AEW&C Mk-II programme.
The agreements were signed by the Director, CABS, with the CEO of AIESL and the Head-Airborne Platform of ADSTL in the presence of Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.
Under the programme, CABS, with support from ADSTL, will integrate the mission systems onto the modified AEW&C Mk-II platform, which will be delivered by Airbus Defence & Space, the original equipment manufacturer. CABS and ADSTL will also undertake flight testing of the aircraft in collaboration with the Indian Air Force to secure certification from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA).
The AEW&C Mk-II system is designed to provide enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communications, improved situational awareness and stronger command-and-control capabilities. The platform is expected to significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s air defence capability by enabling the detection, tracking and management of aerial threats over extended ranges.
According to DRDO, the participation of Indian industry in the programme reflects the government’s continued focus on Aatmanirbhar Bharat by strengthening indigenous research, development and defence manufacturing capabilities through collaboration with domestic partners.
