The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to significantly enhance its capabilities with a multi-pronged defense deal worth approximately Rs 87,000 crore. This encompasses the procurement of additional Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) and a large order of Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets. These acquisitions are geared towards strengthening aerial surveillance, combat capabilities, and promoting self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Enhancing Aerial Surveillance with AWACS

The IAF is procuring 12 additional airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft, along with another platform for undertaking special missions, to overcome limited surveillance capabilities. Faced with a limited number of AWACS, half of which are aging, the IAF has initiated two programs of six AEW aircraft each and one for a special role aircraft. The present inventory of airborne early warning aircraft largely consists of a limited number of legacy AWACS and three indigenously developed Netra aircraft.

Referred to as 'an eye in the sky', the AWACS and AEW are effective force multipliers, covering a wide swath of airspace in a networked environment, tracking and identifying multiple airborne platforms, collecting electronic and intelligence signals, and directing airborne and ground-based weapon platforms. Operating from a high altitude, these overcome the technical limitations posed by ground-based radars. The IAF's present fleet of such aircraft is relatively small compared to that of its two hostile neighbors.

The government has officially approved the development of six new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This landmark initiative, often referred to as the Netra MkII or AWACS India project, is a critical step towards achieving self-reliance in advanced military technology. This approval moves India into an exclusive league of countries capable of designing and manufacturing their own advanced airborne warning systems, significantly enhancing the IAF's operational readiness and surveillance network over the Indian subcontinent. These next-generation AEW&C systems will be built on pre-owned Airbus A321 passenger aircraft acquired from Air India.

The AWACS India platform will be equipped with a fully indigenous mission system, including Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, long-range surveillance sensors, secure communication suites, electronic intelligence (ELINT), and data links to integrate seamlessly with other air and ground assets. The system will serve as a flying command and control center, capable of tracking enemy aircraft, missiles, drones, and ground-based radars and sensors from hundreds of kilometers away. These aircraft will act as force multipliers by extending the IAF's situational awareness and enabling real-time coordination of multi-platform operations, such as fighter jet missions, airspace management, and strike planning—especially vital during large-scale aerial engagements or potential high-intensity conflict scenarios.

Boosting Combat Capabilities with Tejas Mk-1A

The Indian government is poised to approve a ?67,000 crore ($7.8 billion) deal for the procurement of 97 additional Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets in the financial year 2026-27. This landmark contract will further cement the role of the indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas as the backbone of the IAF's fighter fleet. The deal will bring the total number of Tejas variants ordered by the IAF to 180, significantly enhancing its combat capabilities. The Tejas Mk-1A is a modern multirole fighter equipped with advanced avionics, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile capabilities, making it a critical asset for replacing aging aircraft like the MiG-21 and Jaguars.

The Tejas Mk-1A features over 65% indigenous content, aligning with India's “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative. It is equipped with an electronic warfare suite, self-protection jammers, and enhanced maintainability, offering superior performance compared to competitors. The induction of these aircraft is critical for the IAF as it continues to phase out its aging fleets of Soviet-era MiG-21s and Jaguars, ensuring a modern and capable fighting force.

Impact on Indigenous Defense Manufacturing

The Rs 67,000 crore deal is not just a military acquisition but a catalyst for India's aerospace industry. The Tejas program involves over 500 Indian companies, including MSMEs, fostering job creation and technological innovation. The government's recent shift to competitive bidding for defence contracts is expected to further integrate private players into the Tejas supply chain, enhancing the ecosystem's vibrancy.

The project is expected to be completed within three years and will involve extensive collaboration between DRDO and Indian industry partners, offering them invaluable experience in handling complex avionics integration, mission systems development, and systems engineering at scale. The integration of indigenous subsystems also aligns with India's long-term goal of self-reliance in defense technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the Tejas program represents a triumph of indigenous engineering, it has faced challenges, particularly with delivery timelines. The first Tejas Mk-1A, originally slated for delivery in March 2024, was delayed due to pending certifications and supply. HAL has since ramped up its efforts, with the first aircraft now expected for delivery by mid-2025.

The IAF must possess a long-range precision strike capability to target multiple depths. Tejas LCAs in large numbers will form the backbone of IAF fighter fleet in the near future. These aircraft must have air-to-air missiles and long-range air-to-ground weapons that out-range our adversaries.