India struggles to find a path forward for AEW aircraft
More Netra AEW aircraft, based on the Embraer 145, may be in the offing, as India faces major gaps in its inventory. (Gordon Arthur)
India desperately needs more AEW aircraft, but its demand for an indigenous solution has slowed the acquisition process right down.
Delays and changes in decisions have affected the expansion of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) minuscule fleet of AEW aircraft.
Three Embraer 145 Netra AEW platforms developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) were built, and Shephard has learned a repeat order is in the offing for six more EMB-145s.
The DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Studies (CABS) has also designed a 360° radar system to fit on Airbus A330s. These would have complemented and shared commonality with the A330 MRTT, for which bids were released and then cancelled.
However, CABS’ detailed A330 plans have been put
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision]()
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
-
![November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs]()
November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs
In November 2025, GA-ASI unveiled a new Gambit variant, the Gambit 6, and appears to be pitching the aircraft series to various customers in the Middle East, which is a fast-emerging CCA market. The Dubai Airshow also saw the unveiling of various Emirati aircraft from Edge Group.
-
![Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill]()
Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill
This test is the latest milestone achieved by the indigenous drone, destroying a target using a beyond-visual-range missile.
-
![Lockheed plans further solid rocket motor investment in Europe and Middle East]()
Lockheed plans further solid rocket motor investment in Europe and Middle East
The company has worked to heavily invest in its solid rocket motor production capabilities, both in the US and internationally, to build a strong supply chain to meet growing demand.
-
![Boeing to build Apache AH-64E attack helicopters for Poland, Egypt and Kuwait]()
Boeing to build Apache AH-64E attack helicopters for Poland, Egypt and Kuwait
The $4.7 billion international order for the three countries will see production conclude around May 2032.
