Airborne Early Warning Systems - A-50EI Phalcon, DRDO Netra AEW&C, DRDO AWACS

DRDO inks two major contracts with Industry partners as part of AEW&C MK-II programme​

Posted On: 22 JUL 2026 8:19PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), DRDO has signed a contract with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), New Delhi for the conversion of six A321 Aircraft from commercial to green configuration, further leading to the development and production of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) MKII Programme. A separate contract was inked with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADSTL), Ahmedabad to engage with the company as Development Cum Production Partner (DcPP) for Mission Systems designed for the AEW&C MKII Programme.

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The contracts were signed by Director CABS with CEO, AIESL and Head-Airborne Platform, ADSTL in the presence of Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi on July 22, 2026.

CABS, DRDO with support from ADSTL as DcPP is responsible for integration of mission systems on modified AEW&C MK II Platform, delivered by Airbus Defence & Space (Original Equipment Manufacturer). CABS and ADSTL will also carry out flight testing of the AEW&C MK II aircraft along with the Indian Air Force to obtain certification from airworthiness agencies - Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance.

AEW&C Mk II System from DRDO with CABS as the nodal laboratory will provide enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communication, improved situational awareness and enhanced command and control capabilities. This, in turn, will give a significant boost to the air defence capabilities and aid in neutralising threats across extended ranges.

The engagement of industries reaffirms the commitment of the Government to achieve self-reliance for fostering a robust ecosystem towards innovation, research and manufacturing within the country.
 
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Information from a reddit user:
I know about this...

It's not happening in Mumbai or Delhi (only widebodies and Boeings here) so I won't be able to show the planes themselves, but iirc VT-PPx series till now has been operated in the same configuration that DRDO got it in... With only maintenance works being done by AIESL only.

Now in preparation for the AWACS conversion, at Nagpur (most likely but Thiruvananthapuram also eligible candidate) AIESL will remove seats, front and aft galleys removed, lavs revamped or removed, overhead bins removed, and cabin trim will be removed too..

AIESL has certification to do this and more (structural repairs, etc). But cutting massive holes in the frame is where the line is drawn. STC would have been possible in my opinion but investment for that hasn't been done. If we had an STC, I'm sure we'd have them converted by now.

Cabin announcement system, lighting, will be removed too.

They will also do a C-check very likely. AIESL is also doing things like outflow valve cleaning, boroscope inspection, etc...

This will take around 2-3yrs for all the planes.

It will be done in rolling manner with each plane being delivered to Airbus as the conversions are finished... Airbus expects the planes in this condition to begin with their structural modifications.

During this time DRDO CABS and Adani will be finalizing the requirements for mission systems, operator consoles, integration rigs, etc...

2031 onward Airbus will begin structural modifications in Spain.

It will involve them having to reinforce the fuselage crown and bulkheads where antenna will be mounted...

They will also install the dorsal plank above fuselage, it will involve cutting the airframe and installing titanium supports...

They will also upgrade the generator systems since current ones only can make 180kVa (90kVa from APU not included)

Since they're the OEM, they will upgrade it to 600kVa range.​
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