Kautilya

INDRA-I represents an important phase in Indian defence electronics. It came at a time when India needed mobile air-surveillance radars that could detect low-flying aircraft, support forward air-defence units, provide early warning to weapon crews and reduce dependence on imported systems. It became one of DRDO’s early high-power radar achievements and helped establish the foundation for later Indian radars such as INDRA-II, Rohini, Bharani, Rajendra, Reporter and other battlefield surveillance systems.

The vessel is part of a major indigenous shipbuilding contract signed between the Ministry of Defence and MDL on 20 December 2023. Under the programme, six Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels are being constructed for the Indian Coast Guard under the Buy Indian-IDDM category. This makes the project a strong example of India’s growing defence manufacturing depth, where design, development and construction are being carried out within the country.

The Netra AEW&C system has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation through its Centre for Airborne Systems in Bengaluru. It is based on the Embraer EMB-145 aircraft platform and carries a suite of mission systems that turn the aircraft into a flying command, control and surveillance centre. DRDO describes the system as an airborne platform equipped with sensors for locating and providing early warning of airborne targets, sea-surface targets and hostile emissions, while also giving information to onboard controllers and ground stations.