The Indian Air Force (IAF) is expected to receive the third and final airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft from Israel by December 2010.

Indian Defence Minister AK Antony said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is developing an indigenous AWACS aircraft for the IAF.

Israeli firm Elta signed the contract for three AWACS aircraft with India in 2004.

The first and second AWACS aircraft were delivered to the IAF in May 2009 and March 2010.