ISTARs in the Sky

The importance of aerial surveillance for India with hostile neighbours like China and Pakistan needs no elaboration.  Aerial surveillance for airborne intelligence is being done by both the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) operating their dedicated aircraft, as well as the Indian Air Force (IAF). The IAF is currently operating three Phalcon AWACS (Airborne Warning And Control System) and two Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) - Embraer Netra AEW&C Airborne Early Warning and Control) jets. Two additional Phalcon AWACS are being contracted, which will raise the Phalcon AWACS fleet to five. The DRDO had also been developing an AWACS system based on the Airbus A330 platform but apparently that is still in the making or perhaps shelved.