Three Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft are presently operational in the Indian Air Force (IAF). AWACS are meant as force multipliers for specific area cover and not for surveillance of the entire space of our country.
All three AWACS are part of Network Centric Operations and are able to provide adequate coverage of specified areas in Net Centric Operations.
Enhancement of airborne surveillance and Command & Control capabilities of IAF is sought to be achieved through procurement of additional AWACS.
To leverage the experience and expertise gained in the design and development of Airborne Early Warning & Control Systems, a project proposal for indigenous development of AWACS (India) by DRDO has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) on 12th February, 2013.
The development of AWACS (India) is envisaged to be completed in 84 months from the date of formal sanction of the Programme.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to shri P. Viswanathan in Lok Sabha today.
