India revives Netra Mk-II AWACS after Airbus cost dispute
An Indian Air Force AWACS aircraft on display at Aero India 2025. (Photo: Neelam Mathews)
India has cleared higher retrofit costs for six ageing Airbus A321s to be converted into Netra Mk-II airborne surveillance platforms, marking progress in a long-delayed AWACS programme but raising questions over lifespan and operational value.
India has finally agreed to the increased structural modification costs demanded by Airbus for six aging A321 aircraft earmarked for its Netra Mk-II Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) programme.
The aircraft, originally acquired from Air India by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2021, are now nearly 20 years old and will undergo structural retrofit at Airbus’s facility in Spain once the contract has been signed.
The decision marks a critical step forward for the indigenous Netra Mk-II which aims to bolster India’s airborne surveillance capabilities. After reconfiguration, the airframes will be handed to the Centre for Airborne Systems
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed nets $43 million US Army contract for Black Hawk modernisation]()
Lockheed nets $43 million US Army contract for Black Hawk modernisation
The initial funds will focus on the foundational capabilities to modernise the attack helicopter, including digital architecture that will allow for launched effects and UAS integration.
-
![Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff]()
Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
-
![Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss]()
Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
-
![Planned Singapore fighter detachment in Guam scrapped]()
Planned Singapore fighter detachment in Guam scrapped
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence said the decision to discontinue discussions on the fighter training detachment was mutually agreed with the US.
