AIRBONE EARLY WARNING & CONTROL (AEW&C) AIRCRAFT IN INDIA

Last Updated on 8th October, 2024
5 minutes, 6 seconds

Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context: 

The Indian Air Force (IAF), is looking at 12 early warning aircraft under two different programmes.

Details:

  • One of them is a follow-on order of six AEW&C systems mounted on Embraer aircraft, akin to the three Netra systems in service. 
  • The other order pertains to six AEW&C systems under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) that would be mounted on Airbus A-321 aircraft.

Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System

It is an airborne radar early warning system designed to detect aircraft, ships, vehicles, missiles and other incoming projectiles at long ranges, as well as performing command and control of the battlespace in aerial engagements by informing and directing friendly fighter and attack aircraft. 

AEW&C units are also used to carry out aerial surveillance over ground and maritime targets, and frequently perform battle management command and control (BMC2).

General characteristics:

Feature

Description

Detection Range

Can detect aircraft up to 400 km (220 nmi) away, out of range of most surface-to-air missiles.

Coverage with Multiple Aircraft

Three aircraft in overlapping orbits can cover the whole of Central Europe.

Proximity Detection

Indicates both close and far proximity range on threats and targets.

Sensor Extension

Helps extend the range of sensors, aiding in offensive operations by making aircraft harder to track.

Radar Stealth

Reduces the need for offensive aircraft to keep their own radar active, minimizing enemy detection.

Communication Capabilities

Communicates with friendly aircraft, directing fighters towards hostile or unidentified flying objects.

What Distinguishes AWACS From AEW&C?

Feature

AWACS

AEW&C

Full Form

Airborne Warning and Control System

Airborne Early Warning and Control

Aircraft Types

Installed in E-3 and Japanese Boeing E-767

Independently created by India

Rotation Capability

360° (Phalcon, imported from Israel)

270°

Coverage Area

Wider coverage area

Limited coverage area

Durability and Longevity

More durable and long-lasting

Less durable in comparison

Technology Sophistication

More advanced

Less sophisticated than AWACS

Purpose

Covers enemy territory with superior range

Covers enemy territory, but with limitations

India presently operates two types 

Phalcon AWACS: It is Developed by Israel. Provides 360-degree radar and exceeds 400 kms. India currently operated 3 Phalcon.

Netra AEW&C: Developed by DRDO in collaboration with IAF. Provides 240-degree coverage of airspace and over 200 kms range.

The following are the different types of airborne early warning and control systems:

Type

Manufacturer

Aircraft Platform

Radar System

Special Features

Current Usage

Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)

Boeing

Boeing E-3 Sentry (Boeing 707) / Boeing E-767 (Boeing 767)

Westinghouse radar (now Northrop Grumman)

First AEW to use pulse-Doppler radar; rotodome (rotating radome) for tracking targets in ground clutter.

Used by several countries, Boeing E-767 is used solely by Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

E-2 Hawkeye

Northrop Grumman (initially Grumman)

Grumman E-2 Hawkeye

AN/APY-9 radar (in the E-2D variant)

Detects fighter-sized stealth aircraft using UHF radar; upgraded from older variants with Litton L-304 digital computer.

Used by the United States and several other nations.

Beriev A-50

Beriev

Ilyushin Il-76

"Shmel" radar

Non-rotating disc radome; based on the Ilyushin Il-76 airframe; replaces Tupolev Tu-126 AEW aircraft.

Used by the Russian Air Force.

MUST READ ARTICLE:

Embraer

Source:

https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_international/issues/102438/OPS/GBBDD5J0G.1+GHGDE5LEK.1.html

Reference- https://www.ssbcrack.com/2022/08/what-makes-awacs-different-from-aewc.html

https://www.nature.com/articles/nindia.2019.171

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRDO_AEW%26CS

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_early_warning_and_control


PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the development and deployment of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft in India, considering factors of operational requirements and budgetary constraints. (150 words)

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