More Eyes in the Sky for IAF

Government sources state that as per a recent discussions on the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Block 2 aircraft to be developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under a Rs 10,500 crore project, the six aircraft would be acquired from the Air India fleet and modified to fly with a radar that will give 360-degree surveillance capability to the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to the government source, "The six AEW&C block two planes would be highly capable, more than their predecessor NETRA planes, and provide 360-degree coverage deep inside the enemy territory during missions. The government is expected to clear the project soon."