Archive · 23 Jul 2026
DRDO Signs Contracts for AEW&C Mk-II Programme
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has signed two important contracts with industry partners for the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-II programme.
One contract is with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) for converting six A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration.
The other contract is with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADSTL) to develop and produce mission systems for the AEW&C Mk-II programme.
These contracts aim to improve India's air defense capabilities by providing enhanced surveillance, communication, and command and control features.
The government and DRDO see this as a step towards achieving self-reliance in defense manufacturing, while industry partners view it as an opportunity to contribute to national defense and technological advancement.
DRDO signed contracts with AIESL and ADSTL for the AEW&C Mk-II programme.
AIESL will convert six A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration.
ADSTL will develop and produce mission systems for the AEW&C Mk-II programme.
The AEW&C Mk-II system will enhance air defense capabilities with advanced surveillance and command features.
The contracts aim to foster self-reliance in defense manufacturing and innovation.
- Who
- DRDO, AIESL, ADSTL, Airbus Defence & Space
- What
- Signing of contracts for the AEW&C Mk-II programme
- When
- July 22
- Where
- New Delhi
- Why
- To enhance air defense capabilities and achieve self-reliance in defense manufacturing
Government and DRDO Perspective
Industry Partners Perspective
Self-Reliance and Innovation
Government and DRDO Perspective
The government and DRDO emphasize the importance of achieving self-reliance and fostering a robust ecosystem for innovation, research, and manufacturing within the country.
Industry Partners Perspective
Industry partners like AIESL and ADSTL see these contracts as opportunities to contribute to national defense and technological advancement.
- Organizations Involved
- DRDO, AIESL, ADSTL, Airbus Defence & Space
- Aircraft Conversion
- Six A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration
- Programme
- AEW&C Mk-II
- Key Features
- Enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communication, improved situational awareness, enhanced command and control capabilities
- Signatories
- Director, CABS; CEO, AIESL; Head, Airborne Platform, ADSTL
- Witnesses
- Defence Secretary, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D, Chairman, DRDO
- Flight Testing
- CABS, ADSTL, and Indian Air Force
- Certification Agencies
- Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification, Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance
