By Bharat Global Time | July 17, 2025
In a major boost to Indian defense self-reliance and a clear strategic edge over regional rivals, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to receive six next-generation Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) by 2027, all of which will be fully indigenous.
This comes as a setback to countries like Brazil, which had earlier hoped to export similar systems to India. With this move, India firmly signals that it is now developing world-class military surveillance technology on its own soil.
What Are AWACS?
AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) are airborne radar platforms mounted on aircraft that act as “eyes in the sky.” They can:
- Detect aircraft and missiles from over 400–500 km away
- Track multiple aerial targets simultaneously
- Provide real-time data to command centers and fighter jets
- Direct air combat operations and control the battlefield from the air
They’re crucial in modern warfare, especially for long-range detection and early warning during air and missile threats.
India’s New Indigenous AWACS: What We Know
According to DRDO and MoD insiders, the next-gen Indian AWACS will be:
- Mounted on Airbus A321 aircraft, procured and modified in India
- Equipped with state-of-the-art AESA radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array)
- Developed under the “India AEW&C Mk-II” program
- Featuring 360-degree coverage, satellite communication, and real-time data linking
- Capable of tracking over 300 targets simultaneously
The system will be designed and integrated by:
- DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS)
- Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
🇧🇷 Why This Is a Setback for Brazil
Brazil’s EMB-145-based AEW&C platform, developed by Embraer, had once partnered with India for early airborne warning programs. However, India has moved away from foreign dependence, choosing to build larger, more advanced, and fully indigenous platforms.
This closes a potential market for Brazil, which was hoping to expand its defense exports.
A Brazilian defense analyst stated:
“India’s indigenization push is admirable but cuts off markets for midsize exporters like Brazil. It’s competition — and India is winning.”
Strategic Advantages for India
With six new AWACS in its arsenal by 2027, India will:
- Bridge the gap with China, which already fields a dozen similar systems
- Outpace Pakistan, which relies on Chinese and Swedish AWACS
- Achieve 24×7 surveillance capability across two fronts (western and eastern)
- Strengthen airborne command and control in Indo-Pacific operations
- Reinforce India’s “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) defense vision
This makes India among the few countries in the world with fully indigenous long-range AWACS capability — alongside the U.S., Russia, and China.
Timeline & Deployment
| Year | Progress |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 A321 aircraft delivered for modification |
| 2026 | First flight test of radar integration |
| 2027 | All six units delivered to IAF for operational deployment |
Likely deployment zones:
- Punjab/Rajasthan sector (Western front)
- Assam/Arunachal (Eastern front)
- Southern Command (Maritime surveillance)
Final Word
With six next-gen, home-built AWACS by 2027, India is not just watching the skies — it’s controlling them.
This isn’t just a technology milestone; it’s a geopolitical statement — that India can detect, decide, and dominate, all on its own terms.
Follow BGT News for expert updates on India’s defense breakthroughs, exclusive interviews with military analysts, and tracking timelines of strategic deployments.
