NEW DELHI: The indigenously-developed Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, which is India’s specialised “eye in the sky”, achieved a big milestone on Thursday when the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which developed the complex technology, on Thursday handed over the final operational clearance (FOC) certificate to the Indian Air Force (IAF). FOC means the system is fully combat-ready after completing all trials and validations.The Netra AEW&C is a specialised airborne radar and command centre designed to detect incoming projectiles, ships and aircraft at long ranges, identify friend from foe, and direct friendly fighters in real time. It provides real-time battlefield management, 250–500+ km detection ranges, and 300° to 360° radar coverage to track hostile aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.Netra AEW&C uses the Brazilian Embraer EMB-145 airframe as its platform, on which is mounted an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar in its dorsal fin. The three such aircraft were earlier delivered to the IAF with an initial operational clearance and had played a stellar role as the operational brain guiding the IAF during the Feb 2019 Balakot airstrikes.Defence minister Rajnath Singh said the “FOC achievement marks not only a technological milestone, but also a strategic advancement in strengthening India’s airborne surveillance and command-and-control capabilities. Defence secretary and DRDO chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh also congratulated DG (aero) and Team AEW&C.Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, deputy chief of the air staff, who was present at the FOC certificate ceremony in Bengaluru, said: “It’s a proud moment. This isn’t merely the culmination of an indigenous technology programme, but a celebration of the unique partnership between the IAF and the scientific community in fulfilling India’s quest for Atmanirbharta,” he said. Former IAF chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria (Retd), former DRDO chairman S Christopher, senior officials and engineers of the air force and DRDO and Netra projects were also present at the ceremony.In a video message, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, said the achievement assumes greater significance amid a rapidly changing geopolitical environment. Dixit also welcomed the planned expansion of the Netra programme through the induction of six additional aircraft, expressing confidence that future projects would replicate the success of the indigenous airborne early warning system.Narrating the successful journey of Netra, director general of the aeronautics cluster of DRDO, K Rajalakshmi Menon brought out the challenges faced and decisions taken that enabled the achievement of the programme objectives and delivered the operationally capable system to IAF.Besides Netra AEW&Cs, India also operates three Russian IL-76-based Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS). The Phalcon system, mounted on Russian IL-76 aircraft with improved engines, is equipped with advanced radar capable of detecting airborne and surface threats at long ranges, including cruise missiles and aircraft.