India’s “Eye in the Sky” Netra System Gets Full Operational Clearance from DRDO

In a major boost to India’s air defence capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has granted final operational clearance to the Netra AEW&C system , officially marking it as fully mission ready for active deployment.

The clearance will be formally announced at a ceremony in Bengaluru, completing a development journey that began with initial approval in 2017 and evolved through real operational experience, including its use during the 2019 Balakot air operations .

The Netra AEW&C system is an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform , which means it acts as a flying radar station. Its main role is to detect, track, and monitor enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles at long range , while guiding friendly forces during air operations.

It is mounted on modified Embraer EMB 145 aircraft, which serve as the airborne platform carrying advanced radar and electronic systems. From high altitude, the system can scan large areas of airspace far beyond ground radar limits.

Equipped with powerful sensors, Netra can detect aerial targets at distances of up to 250 kilometres and simultaneously track more than 200 objects in the sky . This makes it a crucial tool for maintaining continuous surveillance over sensitive borders and conflict zones.

In practical use, the system will be deployed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to provide real time battlefield awareness , helping fighter jets, air defence units, and command centres coordinate faster and respond to threats more effectively. It acts as a force multiplier , especially when combined with other indigenous and imported surveillance systems.

Beyond monitoring enemy movement, Netra also plays a key role in airspace management during operations and emergencies , ensuring safer coordination of multiple aircraft during complex missions.

DRDO is also developing upgraded versions, including Mk1A and Mk2 variants , which are expected to deliver longer range, improved radar coverage, and enhanced endurance, further strengthening India’s push for self reliant defence technology .

The final clearance of the Netra system marks an important step in India’s expanding indigenous defence ecosystem, reinforcing its ability to monitor and secure its airspace in an increasingly complex regional security environment.