IAF Gets Final Operational Clearance of Indigenous AEW&C System ‘Netra’

📌 Summary:

• DRDO handed over the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the indigenous "Netra" Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at a ceremony in Bengaluru on 25 June 2026
• Netra was developed jointly by IAF, DRDO and industry partners to enhance airborne surveillance, situational awareness and battle-management capability
• The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) was granted in 2017; FOC marks full operational maturity and a landmark in self-reliance in advanced aerospace and defence technologies
• System performance was cited during Operation Sindoor and the Balakot strikes; indigenous design allows flexible in-house modifications to adapt to evolving war scenarios
• Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), DRDO, led development; the achievement reflects DRDO-IAF-industry synergy

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 Science & Technology (Defence/Indigenisation) — Atmanirbharta in strategic defence platforms and force-multiplier surveillance capability.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Netra AEW&C is developed by DRDO's Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS); IOC 2017, FOC 2026
• AEW&C provides airborne radar surveillance, early warning and battle management (force multiplier)
• FOC ceremony held in Bengaluru, Karnataka

🔑 Key Term: AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Control) — an aircraft-mounted radar system that detects aircraft, ships and missiles at long range and directs friendly forces, acting as a force multiplier.