India's Defence Research and Development Organisation signed contracts to convert six Airbus A321 aircraft into Netra Mk II airborne early warning and control platforms [1].
This initiative represents a strategic shift toward indigenous defense capabilities. By developing its own advanced surveillance network, India aims to reduce its long-term reliance on foreign-made systems for critical airspace monitoring.
The project involves the installation of more than 100 radars and sensors on each platform [2]. These modifications will be carried out across facilities in both Spain and India [2].
DRDO partnered with several entities to execute the program. These include AIESL, ADSTL, and Airbus [1]. Some reports also indicate the involvement of the Adani Group in the contract awards [3].
The Netra Mk II is designed to provide an advanced airborne early warning and control capability [1]. This will allow the Indian military to detect and track aerial and maritime threats over longer distances and with greater precision.
According to the project timeline, the first modified aircraft is expected to be delivered in the 2031-32 fiscal year [2]. The structural modifications required for the A321 airframes are extensive, necessitating the coordinated effort between European and Indian aerospace engineers.
“India's Defence Research and Development Organisation signed contracts to convert six Airbus A321 aircraft into Netra Mk II platforms.”
The Netra Mk II program signals India's intent to move up the value chain in defense manufacturing by integrating complex sensor suites into commercial airframes. By utilizing the Airbus A321, India is leveraging a proven platform to host an indigenous 'eye in the sky,' which enhances its strategic autonomy and regional deterrence without the immediate need to develop a completely new aircraft from scratch.
