In a major boost to India’s indigenous defence capabilities, Adani Defence & Aerospace has partnered with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to develop the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) MK-II programme for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The landmark collaboration aims to strengthen India’s aerial surveillance, command, and control capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
A Strategic Milestone for India’s Defence
Under the agreement, Adani Defence and DRDO will jointly develop, manufacture, and integrate advanced airborne mission systems on six modified Airbus A321 aircraft for the IAF. The programme also includes integrated logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and technical support for up to 30 years, making it one of India’s largest indigenous airborne surveillance projects.
DRDO Signs Two Key Contracts
The partnership forms part of DRDO’s broader AEW&C MK-II programme. Through its Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), DRDO has signed:
- A contract with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) to convert six commercial Airbus A321 aircraft into military-ready platforms.
- A separate contract with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Ltd. (ADSTL) as the Development-cum-Production Partner (DcPP) for the mission systems.
What the AEW&C MK-II Will Do
Often described as the “eyes in the sky,” AEW&C aircraft play a critical role in modern warfare by providing:
- Long-range airborne surveillance
- Early detection of aerial and surface threats
- Secure communications
- Real-time command and control
- Enhanced situational awareness
- Better coordination of air defence operations
The new platform is expected to significantly improve the IAF’s ability to detect and respond to threats across extended ranges.
A First for India’s Private Sector
The project marks a significant milestone for Adani Defence, making it the first private Indian company entrusted with the development, integration, and lifecycle support of an airborne mission platform of this scale and complexity. The collaboration combines DRDO’s expertise in mission systems with Adani Defence’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing and systems integration.
Flight Testing and Certification
After integration of the mission systems, DRDO’s CABS, Adani Defence, and the Indian Air Force will jointly conduct flight trials. The aircraft will then undergo certification by the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA) before induction into service.
Why It Matters
The AEW&C MK-II programme is expected to become one of the cornerstones of India’s future air defence network. Once operational, it will enhance network-centric warfare capabilities, strengthen national air defence, and reduce dependence on foreign surveillance platforms. The project also reinforces India’s push towards self-reliance in advanced aerospace and defence technologies.
