DRDO signs contracts with AIESL, Adani Defence for AEW&C Mk-II programme

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Wednesday signed two contracts with industry partners for the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Mk-II programme, including an agreement to convert six Airbus A321 aircraft into military platforms.

The contracts, signed by DRDO's Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), are aimed at advancing the indigenous AEW&C Mk-II programme, a surveillance and command-and-control capability for the Indian Air Force.

Under one agreement, AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) will undertake the conversion of six commercial Airbus A321 aircraft into "green" configuration, which will subsequently be fitted with the indigenous AEW&C system.

The second contract was signed with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd (ADSTL), which has been selected as the Development-cum-Production Partner for the mission systems of the AEW&C Mk-II programme.

The agreements were signed by the Director of CABS with the Chief Executive Officer of AIESL and the Head-Airborne Platform of ADSTL in the presence of Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.

According to the Defence Ministry, CABS, with support from ADSTL, will integrate the mission systems on the modified AEW&C Mk-II platforms to be delivered by Airbus Defence and Space, the original equipment manufacturer.

CABS and ADSTL will also carry out flight testing of the aircraft in collaboration with the Indian Air Force before certification by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA).

The AEW&C Mk-II system is being developed by DRDO with CABS as the nodal laboratory. The platform is expected to provide enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communications, improved situational awareness and strengthened command-and-control capabilities.

The ministry said these capabilities would improve India's air defence preparedness by enabling detection and response to threats over extended ranges.

“The engagement of industries reaffirms the commitment of the Government to achieve self-reliance for fostering a robust ecosystem towards innovation, research and manufacturing within the country,” the ministry said.