NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Supreme Court Of India
    Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI)
    Indian Army
    Indian Railways
    Indian Air Force
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / India News / Indian Air Force hit by shortage of AWACS surveillance planes
    India

    Indian Air Force hit by shortage of AWACS surveillance planes

    Indian Air Force hit by shortage of AWACS surveillance planes
    Written by Abheet Sethi
    Oct 03, 2017, 12:07 pm 2 min read
    Indian Air Force hit by shortage of AWACS surveillance planes
    Credits

    The Indian Air Force (IAF) is witnessing a serious cataract in its "eyes in the sky" arising from a severe shortage of airborne warning and control systems (AWACS). The IAF has just three AWACS while China has around 20. India's efforts to induct more have been stalled by painfully slow indigenous development and a deadlocked deal with Russia and Israel.

    What are AWACS?

    AWACS systems are critical force-multipliers in modern-day combat. They are capable of detecting incoming fighter jets, drones and cruise missiles before ground-based radars can. AWACS also direct friendly warplanes against enemy jets during combat operations.

    Deal to buy Israeli-Russian AWACS system facing deadlock

    The IAF inducted three Israeli-made Phalcon AWACS mounted on Russian IL-76 aircraft from 2009-11 as part of a $1.1 billion deal. A "follow-on" order for two more aircraft remains stuck after Russia increased the price for the IL-76 sharply. India is ready to pay $800 million for the two AWACS, not $1.3 billion being demanded by the weapon system's manufacturers.

    Indigenous Netra system not as capable as Phalcon AWACS

    The IAF inducted the first of three indigenous Netra airborne early-warning and control system (AEW&C) in February. However, unlike the Phalcon which has a 360-degree coverage and 400km range, the Netra has 240-degree coverage and a 250km range. The Netra platform comprises of a smaller Brazilian Embraer-145 jet, whose purchase has been marred by an alleged kickbacks scandal.

    Development of advanced indigenous AWACS could take years

    India is developing its own AWACS under a Rs. 5,113 crore program, which would see 360-degree AESA radars being mounted on Airbus A-330 aircraft. However, it's expected to take at least 80 months to operationalize the first two of six AWACS once the contract for the Airbus planes is inked. At the earliest, the first two AWACS would only be ready by 2024-25.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Latest
    India
    Indian Air Force
    Air Force
    China

    Latest

    2024 Polestar 2 EV debuts: A look at top features Polestar
    Padma Awards: ORS pioneer Mahalanabis, Mulayam Singh get Padma Vibhushan Central Government
    Students detained as BBC documentary screening announced in Jamia Millia Jamia Millia Islamia University
    Maharashtra bans car-pooling in non-transport vehicles over security concerns Maharashtra

    India

    Republic Day: Parade includes transgenders; front row for rickshaw pullers Republic Day
    India lost access to 26 patrolling points in Ladakh: Report Ladakh
    India-Pak were on brink of nuclear war after Balakot: Pompeo Mike Pompeo
    Saim Sadiq's Pakistani film 'Joyland' to get released in India Academy Awards

    Indian Air Force

    IAF successfully test fires extended range version of BrahMos missile Defence Ministry
    Amid weapon shortage, IAF gets new weapon system branch Air Force Day
    Chandigarh hosts 90th IAF Day celebrations with President in attendance Chandigarh
    Everything to know about 'Prachand,' first made-in-India light combat helicopter Rajnath Singh

    Air Force

    Bengaluru: 27-year-old Air Force cadet found dead; six officers booked Bengaluru
    Government mulls new recruitment policy for defense services: Report Punjab
    WB: Seven dead, 2.5 lakh affected in six flood-hit districts West Bengal
    Axiom Space reveals space tourists visiting ISS for $165 million SpaceX

    China

    California: Mass shooting at Chinese New Year event, 9 dead Mass Shooting
    COVID-19 outbreak has infected 80% of Chinese population COVID-19
    Global recession risk is high, warns World Economic Forum  World Economic Forum
    China's economy grows 3% in 2022, second-lowest in nearly 50yrs COVID-19

    Love India News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    India Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023