Netra AWACS integrates SDR, enhancing India's airborne surveillance capabilities.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully integrated Software Defined Radio (SDR) systems into the Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) under Project SIAG, enhancing India’s airborne surveillance capabilities. Completed in August 2023, this upgrade enables secure, jam-resistant communication links and interoperability with diverse Indian Air Force assets. The project involved over 50 flight sorties validating the SDR’s performance in contested environments, achieving key objectives with a 98% success rate. This advancement positions the Netra platforms to play a critical role in integrated air defense networks, reflecting India’s commitment to modernizing its defense technology in response to evolving electronic warfare challenges and improving operational resilience against potential threats.