Indian Navy to revive plans for carrier based AEW&C platform, may opt for American E-2D Hawkeye

Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)

Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye

The Indian Navy has completed all the documentation work to order another 45,000 ton aircraft carrier and approvals from the Government is expected very soon.

The Indian Navy is also planning to revive its long pending plan to procure a shore-based or deck-based Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft that will detect aircraft, ships, missiles and other incoming projectiles at long ranges.

The Indian Navy might look at the American E-2D advanced Hawk Eye AEW&C aircraft that is fitted with state-of-the-art APY-9 radar and upgraded systems, new mission computer, entirely new avionics suite and new engines as well as a probe for air-to-air refueling.

Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye’s powerful APY-9 radar can detect targets at a massive 556 km (345 miles) range, which is a massive capability boost for the detection of enemy incoming projectiles or aircraft for an Aircraft Carrier.