Adani Defence & Aerospace and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are collaborating to develop and integrate the AEW&C MKII system on six Airbus A321 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, with long-term MRO support. The project aims to enhance situational awareness and networked air defence, marking a milestone in domestic defence capability.
India
-Oneindia Staff
Adani Defence & Aerospace has entered into a partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to jointly develop India’s next-generation Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C-MKII) system for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening India’s indigenous defence capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Under the agreement, Adani Defence and DRDO will jointly develop, manufacture and integrate advanced airborne mission systems on six modified Airbus A321 aircraft. The project also includes integrated logistics, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), along with technical support for up to 30 years. The induction of the AEW&C-MKII platform into the IAF is planned for 2032–33.
Adani Defence & Aerospace and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are collaborating to develop and integrate the AEW&C MKII system on six Airbus A321 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, with long-term MRO support. The project aims to enhance situational awareness and networked air defence, marking a milestone in domestic defence capability.
The AEW&C-MKII programme combines DRDO’s expertise in defence research and mission systems with Adani Defence’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing, systems integration and lifecycle support. The platform is expected to become one of India’s most advanced indigenous airborne surveillance systems.
Airborne Early Warning & Control aircraft are considered among the most critical assets in modern air warfare. Equipped with long-range surveillance and early threat detection capabilities, they enable real-time command and control, allowing armed forces to respond swiftly to aerial threats and coordinate operations more effectively.
According to the company, the new platform will significantly enhance the Indian Air Force’s situational awareness, force coordination and network-centric warfare capabilities. The project is also notable as it makes Adani Defence & Aerospace the first private Indian company to be entrusted with the development, integration and lifecycle support of an airborne mission platform of this scale and complexity.
Once operational, the AEW&C-MKII system will be integrated with the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command & Control System (IACCS), the nationwide network that links surveillance, air defence and operational assets in real time. The integration is expected to improve decision-making, strengthen battlespace coordination and enhance India’s overall air defence preparedness.
India will also join a select group of countries with indigenous AEW&C capabilities. Currently, only the United States, France, Israel, China and Sweden have developed such advanced airborne surveillance platforms.
