Tech Desk: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially granted Final Operational Clearance to its indigenously developed NETRA Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. This significant milestone, announced by India’s Press Information Bureau, signifies a major leap forward in the nation’s self-reliance in advanced defense technologies, spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The NETRA system, crucial for enhancing airborne surveillance, situational awareness, and battle management, has now transitioned from its initial operational clearance in 2017 to full readiness. The formal clearance ceremony took place in Bangalore on June 25, 2026, presided over by Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti.

Air Marshal Bharti lauded the system’s reliability, citing its effective deployment during critical operations like Operation Sindoor and the Balakot strikes. He emphasized the strategic advantage of indigenous technology, offering the flexibility to adapt systems to dynamic warfighting requirements. The success was attributed to the strong synergy between the DRDO, IAF, and industry partners.

DRDO officials highlighted the program’s challenging yet successful journey, underscoring the vital role of system engineering in achieving an operationally capable product. The NETRA AEW&C is hailed as a testament to India’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, bolstering its capabilities in airborne surveillance and battle management.