The Indian Air Force (IAF) airborne early warning combat aircraft will be ready for roll out in January next year, Defence Minister AK Antony has said.
The airborne early warning and control system (AEW&C), being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is to be integrated into the Brazilian-manufactured Embraer-145 aircraft.
The AEW&C system is designed to detect aircraft and the radars allow operators to distinguish between friendly and hostile aircraft.
The airborne radar system is expected to enhance the surveillance and strike capability of the IAF, and track missile and network with ground stations.
AEW&C aircraft are used offensively to direct fighters to their target locations, and defensively to counter attacks.
Flight trials for the airborne early warning combat aircraft are scheduled to commence by the end of this year.
