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India Advances AEW&C Mk 2 Programme

July 23, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

India's DRDO awards contracts for AEW&C Mk 2 programme.
Six A321 airframes to be converted for military use.
Adani Defence Systems and Technologies to design mission systems.
Programme valued at INR109 billion (USD1.1 billion) in 2022.

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Strategic Implications

This development may indicate India's growing focus on indigenous defense capabilities, which could reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and enhance national security. The involvement of Adani Defence Systems and Technologies suggests a shift towards private sector participation in defense production, which could lead to increased efficiency and innovation.

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What Happened

New Contracts Awarded For Indigenous Airborne Early Warning Systems

India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has awarded two contracts in support of its indigenous Netra Mk II airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) special mission aircraft programme. The programme, valued at INR109 billion (USD1.1 billion) in 2022, aims to provide the Indian Air Force with six platforms based on the Airbus A321. The contracts were awarded to Air India Engineering Services Limited and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies, with the latter responsible for designing mission systems. According to Janes, the Netra Mk II will be equipped with an enhanced radar and mission systems supporting electronic intelligence and communications intelligence capabilities. This development was first reported by Janes.

Source | Originally Published: July 23, 2026

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