Netra AEW&C Gets Final Operational Clearance in 2026

Exam-Focused Points

• Netra System:  India's indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control system

• FOC Date:  June 25, 2026

• FOC Location:  Bengaluru, Karnataka

• Awarded By:  DRDO

• Received By:  Indian Air Force

• Officiating Officer:  Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti

• Project Approval:  October 2004 by Cabinet Committee on Security

• IOC Date:  2017

• Functions:  Airborne surveillance, situational awareness, command support, battle management

• Associated Missions:  Operation Sindoor, Balakot strikes

• DRDO:  Defence Research and Development Organisation (Ministry of Defence)

• AEW&C:  Airborne Early Warning and Control

• FOC vs IOC:  FOC is full operational readiness; IOC is limited operational readiness

FAQs

Q1. What is the Netra AEW&C system?

Netra is India's indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control system. It is an aircraft-based surveillance platform fitted with radar and mission systems for long-range airspace monitoring.

Q2. When did Netra receive Final Operational Clearance?

Netra received Final Operational Clearance on June 25, 2026. DRDO handed over the certificate to the Indian Air Force in Bengaluru.

Q3. What is the difference between IOC and FOC?

Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) means the system is ready for limited use. Final Operational Clearance (FOC) means the system is fully operational and ready for all missions.

Q4. When was the Netra project approved?

The Cabinet Committee on Security approved the Netra project in October 2004. The project was developed indigenously through collaboration among IAF, DRDO, and Indian industries.

Q5. What operations has Netra been associated with?

Netra has been associated with Operation Sindoor and the Balakot strikes. It has been used operationally by the Indian Air Force.