The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received the second of three Phalcon airborne early warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft from Israel to enhance its surveillance capabilities.

The AWACS aircraft, delivered at the Jamnagar Air Base in Gujarat, will subsequently be deployed at Agra Air Base, according to PTI.

The IAF will use the second AWACS to monitor the eastern and western fronts at the same time.

Designed to detect incoming hostile cruise missiles and aircraft from hundreds of kilometres away, the system will direct air defence fighters during combat operations against enemy jets.

It will also help the air force to detect troop build-up across the border.

The air force received the first AWACS in May 2009 and is expected to receive the third and the final system later this year under the contract signed with Israel in 2004.