DRDO agrees to develop new aircraft for AEW&C Mk-II program.

In an effort to strengthen India's defense capabilities and promote self-reliance, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently made significant advancements. On Wednesday, the DRDO signed an agreement with a company to convert six A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration. This will not only lead to the development and production of the Airborne Early Warning & Control Mk-II programme, but also boost the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, according to officials.

Additionally, another contract was signed with a different company to serve as the development-cum-production partner for mission systems designed for the AEW&C Mk-II programme. This partnership is a crucial step towards fostering a robust ecosystem for innovation, research, and manufacturing within the country, as reaffirmed by the government. The Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), a nodal laboratory for the AEW&C Mk-II system, has entered into a contract with AI Engineering Services Limited in New Delhi for the conversion of the aircraft.

This new system, developed by DRDO with CABS as the nodal laboratory, will provide enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communication, improved situational awareness, and enhanced command and control capabilities. These capabilities will significantly boost India's air defence and enable the country to neutralize threats across extended ranges. The contracts were signed by the Director of CABS, along with the CEO of AIESL and the Head of Airborne Platform at ADSTL, in the presence of the Defence Secretary, the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D, and the Chairman of DRDO, Rajesh Kumar Singh.

CABS, with support from ADSTL, is responsible for integrating the mission systems on the modified AEW&C Mk-II platform, which will be delivered by Airbus Defence & Space. Moreover, CABS and ADSTL will also conduct flight testing of the AEW&C Mk-II aircraft in collaboration with the Indian Air Force, in order to obtain certification from airworthiness agencies like the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance. This significant progress in India's defence sector has been widely covered by leading news outlets, including Orissa POST, Odisha's No.1 English Daily.