India’s Netra AEW&C Gets Final Operational Clearance Certificate

India’s indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system received its Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate on 25 June 2026. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the certificate to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, at a ceremony presided over by Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti.

Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems

An Airborne Early Warning and Control system is an aircraft-based surveillance platform fitted with radar and mission systems for long-range airspace monitoring. AEW&C platforms are used for airborne surveillance, situational awareness, command support, and battle management.

Netra Programme and Development

The Netra AEW&C system was developed indigenously through collaboration among the IAF, DRDO, and associated industries. The project was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security in October 2004, and the system received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in 2017.

Operational Features of Netra

The Netra aircraft has been used operationally by the IAF and has been associated with missions such as Operation Sindoor and the Balakot strikes. The system is part of India’s airborne surveillance inventory and is designed for continuous monitoring of airspace and coordination of air operations.

Important Facts for Exams

• Final Operational Clearance (FOC) is the stage after Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) in defence procurement and induction.
• DRDO is India’s premier defence research organisation under the Ministry of Defence.
• AEW&C systems are used by air forces for early detection of aircraft and other aerial threats.
• The Netra programme was approved in October 2004 by the Cabinet Committee on Security.

Strategic Context

The Netra AEW&C system is an indigenous Indian defence platform developed for airborne surveillance and command support. The system adds to India’s fleet of early warning aircraft used by the IAF.