DRDO Opens NETRA-2026 Seminar on Electronic Warfare

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) opened NETRA-2026, a two-day national seminar on Electronic Warfare, Digital Twin, and Mission Critical System Design, in Bengaluru on 11 August 2026. Dr. B.K. Das, Director General of Electronics and Communication Systems at DRDO, inaugurated the seminar as chief guest.

Electronic Warfare

Electronic warfare is a military field that uses the electromagnetic spectrum for detection, protection, disruption, and deception. It includes electronic support, electronic attack, and electronic protection, which are standard categories used in defence studies.

Digital Twin and Mission Critical Systems

A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical system, asset, or process that is used for simulation, testing, and monitoring. Mission critical system design refers to engineering systems whose failure can affect operations in defence, aviation, communications, and other high-reliability sectors.

Participation and Industry Linkages

More than 200 participants attended the seminar from the Indian Armed Forces, DRDO, ISRO, defence public sector undertakings, academia, and the defence industry. The event was organised with the Association of Old Crows India Chapter and technology partners including Infinipoint, MathWorks, Ansys, Keysight, and Synopsys.

Important Facts for Exams

• DRDO is India’s premier defence research organisation under the Ministry of Defence.
• Bharat Electronics Limited is a public sector undertaking that works in defence electronics and strategic systems.
• The Association of Old Crows is an international professional body associated with electronic warfare and information operations.
• Electronic warfare is closely linked with radar, communications, signals intelligence, and countermeasure systems.

Defence Technology Context

Modern defence systems often combine long-range missiles, radars, electronic warfare suites, directed-energy weapons, and unmanned aerial systems. A layered defence architecture uses multiple sensors and weapons to address threats at different ranges and altitudes.

Programme Schedule

The seminar sessions were scheduled to continue on 12 August 2026, followed by a hands-on technical workshop on 13 August 2026. Such workshops are commonly used in defence technology events for system-level demonstrations and applied training.