Indo-Brazilian Skies Align: Progress on Six Additional Netra AEW&C Platforms for IAF Surveillance Boost
Indo-Brazilian defense corridors warmed on October 20, 2025, as Brazil’s Defence Minister announced breakthroughs in negotiations for six Embraer EMB-145 aircraft, destined for conversion into Netra Mk-1A Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) platforms. This ₹12,000 crore deal, under DRDO oversight, will triple the IAF’s radar eyes, plugging surveillance voids exposed in May’s Operation Sindoor aerial clashes.
The Netra fleet, evolving from three 2009 inductees, integrates indigenous A330-derived systems with EL/M-2090 radars for 450 km detection, fusing data from 200+ targets. Amid PLAAF J-20 stealth incursions, these platforms enable real-time battle management for Tejas and Rafale swarms, enhancing no-fly zones over Ladakh. Delivery by 2028 includes local MRO at Bengaluru, fostering tech transfer for 60% indigenization.
This pact, amid DAC’s MRFA deliberations deeming the 114-jet SOC “incomplete” for Dassault’s Rafale M, underscores diversified sourcing—bypassing French offsets stalled at 50%. With IAF proposing a 500-jet expansion post-Sindoor, Netra’s addition aligns with ₹92,000 crore Q2 spends, targeting seamless integration by 2030.
As India eyes QUAD interoperability, these “flying command posts” will redefine air domain awareness, from LoC patrols to Malabar exercises.
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