DRDO Celebrates Final Operational Clearance of Netra AEW&C System to the Indian Air Force
Bengaluru, 25 June 2026
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful accomplishment of Final Operational Clearance (FOC) for the Indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, a major boost to the nation’s airborne surveillance and network-centric warfare capabilities.
The grand ceremony was witnessed by Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, SYSM AVSM VM, as the Chief Guest. Former Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, PVSM AVSM VM ADC (Retd.), and Former Chairman of DRDO Dr. S Christopher as the Guests of Honour.
The ceremony was also attended by serving and retired senior officers of the Indian Air Force, including former Chief of the Air Staff, DRDO, distinguished dignitaries of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and representatives from Indian Industry partners who have contributed to the programme.
The Netra AEW&C system represents a landmark achievement in India’s journey towards self-reliance in advanced aerospace and defence technologies. Developed indigenously through close collaboration between the Indian Air Force, DRDO, and associated defence Indian industries, the system significantly enhances airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management capability. In the welcome address, Smt. P Santhya, Outstanding Scientist & Director, CABS, emphasized the importance of FOC.
Speaking on the occasion, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, SYSM AVSM VM, Deputy Chief of the Indian Air Force, expressed his happiness for the Final Operation Clearance of Netra AEW&C, which is indigenously built. He spoke about the operational utilization and reliability of Netra AEW&C during Balakot strikes and Op Sindoor. He further reiterated the importance of indigenous technologies, which offer the services the flexibility to adapt the system to the evolving war scenario by undertaking modifications. He lauded the synergy between DRDO, IAF, and the industry, which has defined the success of the programme. He wished all the success for the future programmes of DRDO.
The Director General of Aeronautics Cluster of DRDO, Dr. K Rajalakshmi Menon, Distinguished Scientist, in her address narrated the Journey of the NETRA success story from inception to induction. She brought out the challenges faced and the decisions taken that enabled her to achieve the programme objectives and deliver the operationally capable system to IAF. She emphasised the importance of System Engineering and how it helped in the planning and execution of Flight Tests. She also hailed the former programme director and the senior scientists of DRDO for their conviction in realising a system that meets the requirements of IAF. Finally, she thanked each and every one who has contributed to the programme and ended with the motto “Together. We can”.
The Director General of Electronics Cluster of DRDO, Dr. BK Das, Distinguished Scientist, in his address articulated that the synergy between DRDO laboratories, Indian Industry Partners, Certification Agencies, and Indian Air Force has been the corner stone of the success of this programme. He echoed that truly, Netra AEW&C stands as a defining testimony to self-reliance and attaining ‘Viksit Bharat’. He ended his address by stressing the importance of the Indian Industry in the defense sector.
On the occasion, Chief Executive (Airworthines), Shri, APVS Prasad, an Outstanding Scientist, spoke on the approach to NETRA FOC and handed over the FOC certificate to IAF.
The ceremony also included addresses by Guests of Honor, Former Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal R.K.S. Bhadauria (Retd), and former Chairman DRDO, Dr. S. Christopher, who highlighted the strategic significance of the programme and the collaborative ecosystem that enabled its success. The ceremony concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Shri. AS Kumaran, Sc ‘G” & Head NETRA FOC.
Recognition of Key Contributors
As part of the event, special appreciation and felicitation were extended to organisations and units that played a pivotal role in the successful realization and operationalization of the Netra AEW&C system. The contributions of all stakeholders were acknowledged as instrumental in transforming the Netra AEW&C from concept to operational reality.
A Milestone in India’s Indigenous Capability Development
The successful induction of the Netra AEW&C system into operational service reflects DRDO’s commitment to indigenisation, innovation, and capability enhancement of the Defence Services. The programme stands as a shining example of synergy between operational users, scientific agencies, and defence production establishments.
The achievement of Final Operational Clearance marks not only a technological milestone but also a strategic advancement in strengthening India’s airborne surveillance and command-and-control capabilities.
