The Defence Acquisition Council finally cleared the acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the AEW&CS project on 20 March 2025.[4] As of 6 February 2024, sources reporting to various media and newspapers said that the Defence Acquisition Council of Ministry of Defence (MoD) will take up the acceptance of necessity for the six Mark-1A aircraft next week, which will entail mounting active electronically scanned array antenna-based radars, electronic and signal intelligence systems on Brazilian Embraer jets, at a cost of around ₹9,000 crore (US$940 million).[4] |Netra Mk 1A|450 km|N/A|240–270°|Embraer ERJ family|- Enhanced mission suite, upgraded sensors, better human‑machine interface and tighter integration into IAF systems. - Better detection of low‑observability aircraft like drones and stealth jets|6 planned|[4]

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has achieved a significant milestone with the handing over of the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the Indigenous ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The system has been indigenously developed through close collaboration among the IAF, DRDO, and associated industries to significantly enhance airborne surveillance, situational awareness & battle management capability. While this press release confirms operational status of Netra Mk‑1 AEW&C, it does not mention any Mk‑1A upgrade, GaN‑based AESA radar, or specific detection range changes from 240–300 km to 450–500 km.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are actively working on the development of six Mark-1A and six Mark-2 versions of the Netra AEW&C aircraft.[11] Three Netra aircraft have already been inducted since February 2017.[11] A source stated, "These six AEW&C aircraft will be similar to the existing Embraer-145 jet-based Netra, which has a radar coverage of 240 degrees. However, the new aircraft will feature advanced software and technologies such as gallium nitride-based TR modules for the radars."[11]

Mounted on the EMB‑145, Netra’s AESA radar provides roughly 240‑degree coverage with a detection range of up to 375 km, according to officials. Six upgraded Netra Mk‑1A aircraft, also based on the EMB‑145 platform, will feature improved electronic warfare systems, longer‑range radar capable of detecting drones and low‑observable targets, and deeper integration with the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). A separate programme, Netra Mk‑2, based on Airbus A321, "will carry a much more powerful indigenous radar with a detection range exceeding 500 km," but the report does not state that current Mk‑1A aircraft reach 500 km range or that an existing Mk‑1 has already been upgraded.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is set to approve the procurement of six Netra Mk1A Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, significantly boosting the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) airborne surveillance capabilities. The Netra Mk1A is described as an upgraded version of the DRDO‑developed Netra Mk1, featuring a 240‑degree indigenous AESA radar with a 450 km range—"more than double that of its predecessor"—though the post does not quote an official range figure for Mk1 or mention 240–300 km detection explicitly. This LinkedIn post attributes the information to defence acquisition developments but is not itself an official DRDO or IAF document.

On 17 July 2025, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) bestowed final approval on the Netra Mk II AWACS project—an investment of ₹20,000 crore that will transform six Airbus A321 jets into indomitable airborne guardians.[1] **Netra Mk 1A (ERJ‑145 upgrade):** - 6 jets, GaN‑AESA (~450 km), in‑flight refuelling, advanced EW suite. - Delivery 2026–2029.[1]

These aim to nearly triple the fleet by the mid-2030s, adding 12 platforms while enhancing technological sovereignty.[6] **Six Netra Mk-1A on Embraer ERJ-145 Platforms:** Cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in March 2025 with an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN), this ₹9,000 crore ($1.1 billion) project upgrades the existing Netra design.[6] These will feature GaN-based AESA radars with improved detection (up to 450 km) and 240-degree coverage.[6]

The Netra Mk 1 variant has a listed detection range of "250–375+ km (depends on RCS)" with an instrumented range of "450–500 km" and 240° coverage on the Embraer EMB‑145I platform. For the Netra Mk 1A, the table gives a detection range of "450 km" with 240–270° coverage and notes that six Mk 1A aircraft are planned, based on the Embraer ERJ family and featuring upgraded sensors and better detection of low‑observability aircraft. The Mk 1A entry does not specify GaN explicitly in this table but clearly distinguishes Mk 1 and Mk 1A detection ranges and planned fleet numbers.

The indigenously‑developed Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, which is India's specialised 'eye in the sky', achieved a big milestone on Thursday when the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the final operational clearance (FOC) certificate to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The report states: "It provides real‑time battlefield management, 250–500+ km detection ranges, and 300° to 360° radar coverage to track hostile aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. Netra AEW&C uses the Brazilian Embraer EMB‑145 airframe as its platform, on which is mounted an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar in its dorsal fin." This range description appears to be a generic capability statement for Netra AEW&C and does not explicitly distinguish between Mk‑1 and Mk‑1A or mention any GaN‑based radar upgrade already flying.

The upgrade swaps these for GaN technology, delivering superior power efficiency, extended detection ranges beyond 400 kilometers, and enhanced resistance to electronic jamming—critical in electronically contested environments.[2] The timing couldn’t be more fortuitous: just weeks ago, the IAF received clearance for procuring six additional Netra Mk1A aircraft, swelling the fleet to a robust 9 units by 2030.[2]

The IAF is now progressing a case for 6 more improved Netra AEW&C Mark-1A.[5] These AEW&C will include improved & upgraded Human Mission Interface (HMI), Data Links & mission suite. Several imported systems used in Mark1 have been replaced in Mk1A which includes ground-based Data Links, ground-based & airborne terminals, ELINT & RWR.[5] Once the project is sanctioned by MoD and the DRDO starts getting the fund the deliveries of the new AEW&C Mark1A can be completed within 5 years as it will be based on the same executive jet platform on which Netra Mark1 is built.[5]

According to an October 6, 2024 report in The Hindu, the Netra Mk1A system features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with a 240‑degree coverage arc, capable of detecting targets at a range of approximately 450 km. This marks a notable improvement over the Netra Mk1’s range of around 200 km, as reported in earlier assessments. Defence Matrix notes that the Netra Mk1A incorporates advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN)‑based transmit/receive modules, enhancing radar performance and resistance to electronic countermeasures, as cited from Swarajya (February 13, 2024).

The Defence Ministry on Thursday approved the procurement of six additional Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C), which would be an upgraded version of the current two in-service India-developed systems called the Netra.[7] The new system is likely to be fitted on board six Embraer aircraft like the existing two.[7] The air force plans to induct six more Netra systems including Netra Mk1A, besides possible replacement for the two it currently operates.[7]

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Ministry of Defence (MoD) are preparing to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for six Embraer ERJ-145 jets intended to serve as platforms for the next-generation Netra Mk-1A Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system.[8] The impending acquisition of six Embraer ERJ-145 jets to serve as platforms for the upgraded Netra Mk-1A AEW&C system with GaN radar technology marks a pivotal moment in India’s defense modernization trajectory.[8] Given India’s prior experience with the original Netra and ongoing DRDO projects, the timeline is optimistic but realistic, with operational induction expected within the next 4-6 years.[8]

The clearance formally transitions the three‑aircraft Netra Mk‑1 fleet from developmental and restricted operational status into unrestricted combat deployment capability. Operational detection ranges reportedly extend between 250 kilometres and beyond 375 kilometres depending upon target radar cross‑section, while instrumented testing ranges reached approximately 450 to 500 kilometres during evaluation exercises. The approved Netra Mk‑1A programme includes six upgraded aircraft incorporating gallium nitride radar modules, improved electronic warfare systems and enhanced low‑observable target detection capability, with Mk‑1A platforms expected to achieve detection ranges approaching approximately 450 kilometres.

The central government has already approved the development of six additional NETRA MK-1A aircraft.[3] These will feature an enhanced mission suite, upgraded sensors, and longer‑range radars capable of detecting low‑observability platforms such as drones and stealth aircraft.[3] They will also incorporate improved human‑machine interfaces and tighter integration with IAF’s command and control systems.[3]

In a detailed feature on India’s airborne early warning programme, Swarajya reported that the Netra Mk‑1A upgrade will employ GaN‑based AESA radar modules developed by DRDO’s CABS. The article stated that these GaN transmit/receive modules offer higher power density and efficiency than the GaAs modules used in the original Netra Mk‑1 radar, enabling a substantial increase in detection range toward the 450 km class and improving performance against low‑observable targets. Swarajya also noted that the IAF plans to induct six Netra Mk‑1A aircraft based on the Embraer ERJ platform, in addition to the existing three Mk‑1 aircraft.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially granted Final Operational Clearance (FOC) to the indigenous Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, marking the platform’s transition from a restricted induction phase to being fully mission‑ready. The post notes that "this clearance paves the way for the Netra Mk‑1A and Mk‑2 projects, which will utilize more powerful Gallium Nitride (GaN) radars and larger Airbus A321 platforms," but it does not claim that a Mk‑1 aircraft has already been upgraded to Mk‑1A standard. It frames GaN radars as upcoming capabilities for Mk‑1A and Mk‑2 rather than an existing operational upgrade on one current aircraft.

While maintaining the 240-degree radar coverage, the Mk1A will benefit from increased range and detection capabilities due to the GaN technology. The shift to GaN offers significant improvements over the older GaAs technology: greater power output; GaN-based TRMs produce a stronger signal, allowing the radar to detect targets at greater distances and with better resolution. This is essential for providing early warnings of threats far inside enemy territory.

This year has seen significant progress in the NETRA program.[12] The IAF received clearance to procure six NETRA Mk1A (Advanced) systems, featuring various improvements over the initial version.[12] Additionally, clearance was granted for the acquisition of six NETRA MkII systems, based on the Airbus A321 platform.[12]

A technical overview video on Netra Mk‑1A describes the aircraft as "powered by GaN‑based AESA radar — a massive upgrade over older GaAs technology" and claims a detection range of up to 450 km, up from 250–300 km on the original Netra Mk‑1. The presenter states that with 6 new Mk‑1A aircraft joining the existing 3 Netra Mk‑1 platforms, the Indian Air Force will operate a fleet of 9 AWACS aircraft. The video attributes the radar development and integration to DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) but does not cite specific DRDO officials or documents for these figures.

The former DRDO chairman stated in an interview that "AESA radar is now ready for our airborne platforms for the Indian Air Force" and discussed progress on indigenous radar, jet engines, and other technologies. However, in the available excerpt of this LinkedIn post, there is no direct quote that one Netra Mk‑1 aircraft has been upgraded to Mk‑1A standard, nor any mention of specific detection range changes from 240–300 km to 450–500 km or a plan for nine total Mk‑1A aircraft. Thus, while it confirms readiness of AESA radar for airborne platforms, it does not substantiate the detailed claim about a specific Netra Mk‑1 upgrade and performance metrics.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to make a strong case for the induction of six more Netra Mk1A airborne early warning and control system (AEW&CS) aircraft in the upcoming year.[10] This upgraded variant will complement the three existing Netra Mk1 AEW&CS aircraft that are already operational with the IAF.[10] The Netra Mk1A aircraft will be equipped with an enhanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, currently under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).[10]

An explainer on Netra AWACS notes that reports put the detection range of earlier Netra Mk‑1 aircraft at 250–375 km, with instrumented range of 450–500 km. It goes on to say that the Netra Mk‑1A aircraft’s detection range "could be 400–450 km" while retaining 240° coverage, and that Netra Mk‑2 on an Airbus A321 base is expected to reach 400–500 km with 300° coverage. The video is based on open‑source reporting and does not identify a former DRDO chairman as the source of these specific range figures.

DRDO is developing a next-generation GaN-based AESA radar for the Netra Mk2 AEW&C that will significantly boost surveillance range (around 400–500 km+) and provide ~300° coverage, enhancing India’s airborne early warning and tracking capabilities. The radar will use Gallium Nitride technology for better power efficiency, cooling, and long-range target detection performance. Built on modified Airbus A321 platforms, Netra MkII will strengthen the Indian Air Force’s airborne surveillance, battle management, and network-centric warfare capabilities.

The government has already approved the acquisition of six additional Netra Mk1A aircraft, an improved version of the current platform that will build on the experience gained during the first programme.[13] These aircraft are expected to strengthen the Air Force’s medium-range airborne surveillance capability while maintaining continuity in mission systems and training.[13]

A Facebook defence page post states: "The Netra's AESA radar can provide electronic scan coverage of 240 degrees up to a range of 500 km." The post repeats that the Netra’s AESA radar coverage is 240 degrees and 500 km range but does not distinguish between Mk‑1 and Mk‑1A variants, nor does it mention GaN technology. No attribution to DRDO officials or technical documentation is provided in the post.

Indian Defence Time posted that "DRDO is developing a next-generation GaN-based AESA radar for the Netra Mk2 AEW&C that will significantly boost surveillance range (around 400–500 km+) and provide ~300° coverage". The post clearly associates GaN-based AESA radar with the future Netra Mk‑2 programme rather than the current Mk‑1A, and suggests a 400–500+ km range and approximately 300° coverage for Mk‑2. It does not reference any Netra Mk‑1 aircraft already upgraded to a GaN-based Mk‑1A standard or quote specific DRDO officials.

The video presenter, citing statements attributed to officials, says in Hindi that among the already existing Netra Mk‑1 AEW&C aircraft "one AWACS has already been upgraded to Mk‑1A standard" and that the Gallium Arsenide‑based AESA radar has been converted to Gallium Nitride. Later he explains that this upgrade "usually increases [range] by between 30 and 50%" and claims that targets that were earlier detected at "240 to 300 km" are now seen at "450 to 500 km" after the GaN upgrade. This is a YouTube commentary video, not an official DRDO/IAF source; it relays the claim but does not provide primary documentation of the former DRDO chief’s exact words or technical test data.

India is transforming its indigenous NETRA AEW&C aircraft into a powerful technology demonstrator with next-gen AESA radar, GaN modules, and advanced electronic warfare systems. As a result, the new AESA radar will be able to detect targets at much longer ranges than before and with higher sensitivity; it is estimated that the GaN-based Netra Mk-1A radar can push the detection capability for fighter-type targets to around 400 km, while the current Netra’s limit is 250 to 300 km. This move by DRDO and CABS will enhance Indian Air Force’s surveillance and strike capabilities, outmatching China and Pakistan.

An article on idrw.org about the IAF’s RFI for six AEW&CS systems explains that the RFI is for "six AEW&CS systems featuring 360-degree 4D AESA GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology", representing a leap over the limited field of view of Netra Mk‑1A and Mk‑II. It notes that the Mk‑III will incorporate the most advanced radar technology developed by DRDO, including the new 360-degree 4D AESA GaN system. The piece distinguishes between GaN-based future systems and existing Netra variants but does not claim that current Mk‑1 aircraft have been upgraded to GaN-based Mk‑1A; it focuses on a separate, more advanced programme.

A Twitter/X thread analysing the Indian Air Force’s AEW&C platform describes the Netra system as incorporating an indigenous Active Array Antenna Unit providing 240° coverage, with detection range stated as 250–375+ km and instrumented range of 450–500 km. The same thread mentions that an improved system will feature a powerful indigenous AESA radar based on GaN technology, with expectations to extend detection range beyond 400 km and developmental variants targeting nearly 600 km. The commentary appears speculative and does not quote any named DRDO chairman, nor does it specify whether a Netra Mk‑1 aircraft has already been upgraded to this GaN-based configuration.

The Facebook post reports: "Former DRDO Chief Dr. G. Satheesh Reddy has confirmed that one Netra Mk1 AEW&C aircraft is flying with an advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN)‑based AESA radar as a technology demonstrator." It adds that the aircraft "is validating radar and associated technologies before integration into future Netra Mk1A platforms." The post further claims that Netra Mk1A will feature GaN transmit/receive modules, upgraded mission systems, and technologies derived from Netra Mk2, calling this a major milestone for indigenous airborne early warning capabilities. This is a secondary paraphrase of the former DRDO chief’s alleged statement; it does not show his direct quote, nor does it specify exact detection range figures or confirm a plan to upgrade nine aircraft (three existing plus six new) to Mk‑1A standard.

The article states that the Indian government’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) "approved the country’s Air Force to acquire six more Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems based on the DRDO Netra Mk1A platform." It notes that "the new Mk1A batch will feature new systems, including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an Electronic Warfare suite and a real‑time communication network," describing these as upgrades over the original Mk‑1. The piece does not mention any existing Mk‑1 having already been upgraded to Mk‑1A, nor does it specify radar detection ranges or confirm that there will be nine Mk‑1A aircraft including three converted Mk‑1 platforms.