Overview
The DRDO has handed over the FOC certificate for the indigenous Netra AEW&C system to the IAF. The ceremony took place in Bengaluru, Karnataka on 25 June 2026. This marks a major step in India’s push for defence self‑reliance.
Key Developments
- FOC granted after successful flight‑tests and operational use in Operation Sindoor and Balakot strikes.
- Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) was awarded in 2017, showing a nine‑year development cycle.
- Deputy Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti presided over the event, highlighting the system’s reliability.
- Senior scientists including Dr. K. Rajalakshmi Menon and Dr. B.K. Das emphasized the role of System Engineering and stakeholder synergy.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the achievement a strategic advance for India’s airborne command‑and‑control.
Important Facts
The Netra platform is an indigenously developed radar‑equipped aircraft that can monitor airspace up to 250 km and track multiple targets simultaneously. It is designed to operate in diverse weather conditions and can be upgraded as threat scenarios evolve. The project involved close collaboration among the DRDO, the IAF, and private industry partners.
Exam Relevance
• The Netra FOC illustrates India’s Viksit Bharat drive and the “Make in India” policy for strategic sectors.
• It showcases the importance of indigenous R&D in achieving strategic autonomy, a frequent topic in GS‑III (Defence & Security).
• The coordination among the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, and the armed forces reflects the institutional framework of India’s defence procurement (GS‑II: Polity).
Way Forward
Future steps include integrating Netra with other airborne and ground‑based sensors, expanding export potential, and initiating upgrades based on emerging threat patterns. Continued investment in System Engineering will ensure the platform remains relevant. The success also sets a precedent for other indigenous projects such as maritime surveillance and missile defence systems.