A huge step has been taken towards strengthening India’s indigenous defense fleet. The ambitious AEW&C Mk-II (Airborne Early Warning and Control) program of the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has now gained further momentum. To take this project forward, DRDO has signed important agreements with two big companies. These agreements were signed on 22 July 2026 in New Delhi in the presence of Defense Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh.
Agreements signed with which two companies?
* AIESL (AI Engineering Services Limited): DRDO’s Center for Airborne Systems (CABS) has signed an agreement with AIESL. Under this, 6 Airbus A321 aircraft will be converted from normal commercial flights to special military platforms. The powerful radar and system of AEW&C Mk-II will later be installed on these aircraft.
* Adani Defense (ADSTL): Adani Defense Systems and Technologies Limited has been made the Development Cum Production Partner (DcPP) for this project. The company will fully cooperate with DRDO in the development and construction of this entire mission system.
What is AEW&C Mk-II and its features?
AEW&C Mk-II is the next generation ‘Sky’s Sentinel’ (Airborne Surveillance & Command System) for the Indian Air Force. It is also called flying command centre.
* Long range monitoring: It will detect enemy fighter planes, drones, cruise missiles and other stealthy aerial threats from very long distances.
* Long flight: It will be able to remain in the air for longer periods of time and carry out surveillance.
* Secure communication and better coordination: It will have a modern and secure communication system, due to which even enemy jammers will not be able to do any harm to it.
* Better Command and Control: This will give accurate moment-by-moment information (Situational Awareness) of the battlefield to the command center.
Another big step towards ‘self-reliant India’
Under the agreement, CABS and Adani Defense will together fully integrate these mission systems into the Airbus A321 aircraft. After this, rigorous flight tests will be conducted in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and necessary certification will be taken from military airworthiness agencies.
This project will increase the strength of the Indian Air Force manifold. Also, it is a great example of the development of indigenous technology and strengthened participation of private companies under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign in the defense sector.
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