India is poised to bolster its defense capabilities with the development of three new spy planes designed for close monitoring of enemy communications and conducting extensive surveillance missions.
The project, set to be predominantly indigenous, will utilize technology and equipment made in India, signaling a significant step towards self-reliance.
Defence officials disclosed to ANI that the proposal for acquiring three new spy planes, also known as signal intelligence and communication jamming system aircraft, is nearing clearance and is expected to receive approval next week.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory and the Indian Air Force, will utilize an Airbus-319 class aircraft as its base, according to sources familiar with the matter. Tender processes will be initiated by relevant agencies to procure the necessary platform for the aircraft.
Having identified the need for such aircraft for an extended period, the project has now reached the stage of finalizing specifications, officials revealed.
Additionally, the Centre for Airborne Studies (CABS) is concurrently engaged in multiple development projects, including the advancement of the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, building upon the existing Netra aircraft with the introduction of the AEW&C Netra Mark1A.
Previous reports highlighted the Indian Air Force’s intent to present proposals for the acquisition of six additional AEW&C aircraft based on the Embraer platform to the Defence Acquisition Council in September and November of the previous year.
Furthermore, plans are underway for the indigenous development of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (I-STAR) aircraft, as well as the AEW&C Mark 1A aircraft on the Embraer legacy jet plane platform, and the AEWC Mark 2 on Airbus 321 jets for the Indian Air Force. CABS is concurrently involved in the Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance project for the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy.
Director General Rakesh Pal of the Indian Coast Guard recently emphasized the significance of the C-295-based maritime surveillance aircraft, highlighting its potential to fortify the force’s indigenous surveillance capabilities over Indian territory.
