DRDO signs two major contracts for AEW&C MK-II programme
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
On 22 July 2026, DRDO signed two major contracts with industry partners for the AEW&C MK-II programme, marking a significant step towards indigenisation and strengthening India's airborne early warning capabilities.
Background
The AEW&C MK-II programme aims to develop and produce an advanced airborne early warning and control system for the Indian Air Force, enhancing air defence capabilities.
Key facts
Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), DRDO signed a contract with AI Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL), New Delhi to convert six A-321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration for the AEW&C MK-II programme.
A separate contract was signed with Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd (ADSTL), Ahmedabad as Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) for the mission system of AEW&C MK-II.
The contracts were signed on 22 July 2026 in New Delhi in the presence of Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.
CABS and ADSTL, along with the Indian Air Force, will conduct flight testing of AEW&C MK-II aircraft to obtain certification from agencies like CEMILAC and DG-AQA.
The AEW&C MK-II system will provide enhanced endurance, advanced aerial surveillance, secure communication, improved situational awareness, and robust command and control capabilities.
The programme underscores the government's commitment to achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) and fostering innovation, research, and manufacturing within the country.
Prelims pointers
- DRDO: Defence Research and Development Organisation
- CABS: Centre for Air Borne Systems
- AIESL: AI Engineering Services Ltd
- ADSTL: Adani Defence Systems & Technologies Ltd
- AEW&C: Airborne Early Warning and Control
- CEMILAC: Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification
- DG-AQA: Director General of Aeronautics Quality Assurance
- DcPP: Development cum Production Partner
- A-321: Airbus aircraft model used for conversion
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of the AEW&C MK-II programme for India's air defence capabilities.
- Examine the role of public-private partnerships in achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Analyse the strategic importance of airborne early warning systems in modern warfare.