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IAF’s “New hunt” for Six AEW&C

The Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, has released an official Request for Information (RFI) indicating its intention to procure six Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems, along with associated ground segments, from registered Indian vendors. This initiative is aligned with India’s goal of enhancing its air defense and surveillance capabilities, contributing to a robust, state-of-the-art Command and Control (C2) network that can respond effectively to evolving threats.

Timeline for Delivery and Local Content

The AEW&C systems will be delivered as per mutually agreed timelines, with the Ministry expecting the completion of delivery within 36 to 60 months following the signing of the contract. Notably, the procurement does not mandate the system to be entirely indigenous. Vendors are encouraged to propose the procurement category as per Chapter 2 of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, including tentative Indian Content (IC), allowing flexibility for homegrown, imported, or assembled systems under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Platform Configuration and Performance Requirements

The MoD’s detailed technical specifications require the AEW&C to be based on a customized jet aircraft with payload integration, ensuring it meets the operational needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The platform must feature advanced avionics and IT systems, with specific performance capabilities including:

Just for the reference, The endurance of A320 is about 5–6 hours on one load of fuel. So, IAF is looking for a base platform in a notch higher category.

Primary Radar Capabilities

The AEW&C will be equipped with a multi-mode, solid-state, 4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This radar must feature:

Netra is a 3D radar and IAF is looking for a Next generation Radar in this case.

Secondary Radar Requirements

The secondary radar system will include a solid-state phased array monopulse Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system with a range of at least 500 km. This system must be compliant with the Mk-XII (S) standard and offer 360-degree coverage, operating in various modes to ensure comprehensive target identification.

Operator Workstations and Mission Suite

The aircraft will house at least 12 operator workstations capable of supporting mission commanders and operators in real-time data processing, target identification, and change detection. The mission suite will integrate onboard sensors (radar, IFF, ESM, and CSM) with data from other aircraft for seamless network-centric operations, offering real-time communication with the IAF’s C2 network via a secure data link system.

Electronic Warfare (EW) and Self-Protection Suite

To ensure survivability in hostile environments, the AEW&C will be equipped with an Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system providing 360-degree azimuth coverage, and advanced self-protection suites including Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS), and Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS) for dispensing chaff and flares. Additionally, the system must support integration of indigenous technology, including crypto modules and indigenous RWR.

Ground Exploitation and Data Link Systems

The Ground Exploitation Station (GES) must offer capabilities for real-time communication with the airborne AEW&C system, ensuring seamless data transfer via both Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) methods, including SATCOM. The system should be able to process and store large amounts of mission data, with workstations mirroring those aboard the AEW&C platform.

Training, Maintenance, and Certification

The MoD has outlined rigorous training requirements for air and ground crews, with mission planning and simulator systems to replicate real-world scenarios. Vendors must also provide a comprehensive maintenance infrastructure and life cycle support plan to ensure the AEW&C systems remain operational for up to 20 years.

Conclusion

The procurement of six AEW&C systems will significantly enhance India’s aerial surveillance capabilities, improving national defense readiness. The flexibility provided in terms of Indian Content and procurement categories allows for a mix of indigenous and imported technologies, supporting India’s push towards self-reliance in defense manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Vendors are invited to submit their proposals in compliance with the outlined technical and operational parameters, with an emphasis on advanced radar technology, electronic warfare capabilities, and robust communication systems.

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