DRDO Signs AEW&C Mk-II Contracts

On 22nd July 2026, DRDO signed two major contracts for the development of the indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Mk-II programme under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Key Points

About the Programme: The AEW&C Mk-II programme aims to strengthen India's airborne surveillance, air defence and command-and-control capabilities through an indigenous platform.
Implementing Agency: The programme is being led by the Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), a laboratory of DRDO.
Aircraft Platform: AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) will convert six Airbus A321 aircraft from commercial configuration into green configuration for use as AEW&C platforms.
Industry Partnership: Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL) has been selected as the Development-cum-Production Partner for the mission systems.
Role of Airbus: Airbus Defence and Space will deliver the modified aircraft, while CABS and ADSTL will integrate the indigenous mission systems.