The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared the acceptance of necessity for six Netra Mk2 aircraft in September 2021, with an estimated cost of ₹11,000 crore (US$1.5 billion in 2023).[1][2][3]
The A321 platforms are to be modified in France to military standards before being fitted with radar and surveillance suites in India.[4] By February 2024, developmental work on the six aircraft was already at an advanced stage, with DRDO working on larger and more capable versions of its indigenously developed AEW&C radar and sensor systems. The total cost at this stage was reported as ₹10,990 crore (US$1.3 billion).[5]
On 17 July 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Security formally approved the project at a revised cost of ₹20,000 crore (US$2.4 billion).[6] On 19 August 2025, the CCS approved the purchase of six Netra Mk2 aircraft for ₹19,000 crore (US$2.2 billion), with full delivery anticipated in 2033–2034.[7]
The Netra Mk2 will feature a dorsal fin-mounted active electronically scanned array radar, providing 300° radar coverage. In addition, a secondary antenna will be installed in the nose of the aircraft to enhance forward coverage.
Other planned features include:
Extended detection ranges compared to the Netra MkI.
Multi-role mission control system for airspace surveillance, battle management, and communication relay.
Integration of advanced indigenous sensors and electronic warfare suites.
Use of Airbus A321 as the base platform, offering larger payload capacity and endurance compared to Embraer EMB-145 used in Netra Mk1A.
Operators
Indian Air Force– The six Airbus A321 aircraft procured for the program are operated by the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron as of March 2025, pending conversion into AEW&CS Mk2 platforms.[9]
