New Delhi: India’s air power got a big boost with the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) handing over the second Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

It comprises an indigenously developed AESA radar mounted on an Embraer 145 aircraft and was handed over to the Western Air Command Chief at the Bhatinda air base.

The aircraft will help India address its capability asymmetry with China and Pakistan in this crucial area of modern warfare. The Netra system had earlier helped India plan and execute the Balakot airstrikes deep within Pakistani territory.

The system will also help complement the three Israeli Falcon AEWACS systems in the IAF fleet, with reports of Indian plans to induct two more AWACS systems. According to estimates, India needs at least 20 of such surveillance systems to develop adequate defensive and offensive capability as the IAF guards the Eastern and Western fronts.