The IAF has formally inducted the first indigenously built Airborne Early Warning and Control System Netra developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation at the Aero India exhibition on Tuesday.
These airborne warning systems, capable of long range surveillance, are huge force multipliers. Netra is based on Embraer aircraft and three systems are to be developed.
First of these, handed over by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, is in the Initial Operational Configuration.
It is expected to achieve Final Operational Configuration (FOC) by June.
By that time, the second system would also be ready, said Dr. J Manjula Director General, Electronics & Communication Systems, DRDO.