The Indian Defence Ministry is set to decide on going ahead with a $831 mn strategic programme to develop a next generation of airborne warning and control systems (AWACS) that will act as a major force multiplier for the Indian Air Force (IAF), giving it a deep insight into enemy territory.
The large size AWACS programme, different from an ongoing Embraer-based airborne early warning and control system (AEWCS), is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will initially be for two aircrafts, an order that will be increased after successful development.
Sources said that the strategic project is set to come up for discussion with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at a key meeting this week in which DRDO will make its case for allocation of funds to go ahead with ordering a platform and initiating work.
The minister is also likely to discuss a partnership between France's MBDA and the DRDO to develop a new class of Short Range Surface to Air Missiles (SR-SAM) under the much delayed Maitri programme.
Read the full story at Air Recognition
NOTE: The “Embraer Delivers First AEW&C Aircraft to India & India’s First AEW&C Aircraft Modified and Fitted with DRDO’S Indigenous Systems Lands on Indian Soil” Links in the above were added by PacificSentinel for clarity & context.