DRDO — AEW&C Mk-II

Development

DRDO signed two contracts for the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-II Programme.

Key Facts

• Date: 22 July 2026
• Implementing DRDO laboratory: CABS
• Partners:
  • AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL)
  • Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd (ADSTL)

Programme

Approved by Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in July 2025.

• Outlay: ₹19,000 crore
• Aircraft: Airbus A321
• Source: Air India
• Aircraft to be converted: 6
• Planned induction: 2032–33

Roles

AIESL:
Conversion of six Airbus A321 aircraft.

ADSTL:
Development-cum-Production Partner for mission systems.

Testing & Certification

• Indian Air Force
• CEMILAC
• DGAQA

Importance

AEW&C provides:

• Airborne surveillance
• Early warning
• Airspace monitoring
• Support to air-defence operations

Prelims Hook

AEW&C Mk-II → ₹19,000 crore → 6 Airbus A321 → induction 2032–33