Ministry of Defence Releases RFI for 360-degree AEW&CS Procurement for Indian Air Force
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| DRDO 360-degree coverage AWACS based on Airbus A320, CGI by Kuntal Biswas |
The Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to acquire six Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) systems along with related ground infrastructure from registered Indian vendors. This move is aimed at enhancing India’s air defense and surveillance systems, contributing to a cutting-edge Command and Control (C2) network capable of addressing modern threats.
Delivery Timeline and Local Content
The AEW&C systems are to be delivered within an agreed timeline, with completion expected between 36 to 60 months after the contract signing. Interestingly, the MoD does not require these systems to be fully indigenous. Vendors have the flexibility to propose procurement categories as outlined in Chapter 2 of the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020, and they are encouraged to suggest Indian Content (IC) percentages. This allows for the inclusion of locally made, imported, or assembled components under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Platform Configuration and Performance Requirements
The AEW&C platform must be a customized jet aircraft capable of integrating payloads to meet the Indian Air Force's (IAF) operational needs. The platform will feature advanced avionics and IT systems, and must meet the following performance criteria:
- Endurance: At least 8 hours of operational flight time.
- Air-Air Refueling and Fuel Dumping: Must be capable of mid-air refueling and safe fuel disposal.
- Operational Ceiling: The aircraft must be able to operate at altitudes of 40,000 feet or higher.
- Cruise Speed: Must exceed Mach 0.7.
- Takeoff and Landing: The aircraft must be able to operate from airfields at elevations of up to 1,660 meters AMSL, with runways no longer than 9,000 feet.
The endurance of the A320, for comparison, is around 5-6 hours per refuel, so the IAF is looking for a platform in a higher category.
Primary Radar Capabilities
The AEW&C system will be equipped with a multi-mode, solid-state 4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which will offer:
- 360-degree coverage to monitor airspace in all directions.
- Detection and tracking of various targets, from large aircraft to low radar cross-section (RCS) objects like UAVs and helicopters.
- Operational modes including normal search, long-range/extended range (ER), sea surveillance, Ground Moving Target Indicator (GMTI), and hypersonic modes.
- Detection range: Minimum of 400 km in normal mode and up to 550 km in ER mode, with sea surface detection capability of at least 425 km.
The IAF's current 3D radar, Netra, will be supplemented by a next-generation radar in this acquisition.
Secondary Radar Requirements
The AEW&C must also have a solid-state phased array monopulse Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) radar system with a minimum range of 500 km. This radar should comply with Mk-XII (S) standards and provide 360-degree coverage to ensure comprehensive target identification.
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| DRDO 360-degree coverage AWACS based on Airbus A320, CGI by Kuntal Biswas |
Operator Workstations and Mission Suite
The aircraft will house a minimum of 12 operator workstations, supporting mission commanders and operators in real-time data analysis, target identification, and situation awareness. The mission suite will integrate onboard sensors (radar, IFF, ESM, CSM) with data from other aircraft, ensuring network-centric operations and real-time communication with the IAF’s C2 network through a secure data link.
Electronic Warfare (EW) and Self-Protection Systems
To ensure survivability, the AEW&C will include a 360-degree Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system and advanced self-protection suites. These will feature Radar Warning Receivers (RWR), Missile Approach Warning Systems (MAWS), and Countermeasure Dispenser Systems (CMDS) for deploying chaff and flares. The system will also support indigenous technology, including crypto modules and domestic RWRs.
Ground Exploitation and Data Link Systems
The Ground Exploitation Station (GES) will facilitate real-time communication with the airborne AEW&C through both Line-of-Sight (LOS) and Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) means, including SATCOM. It must be capable of processing large amounts of mission data, with workstations replicating those onboard the aircraft for seamless operations.
Training, Maintenance, and Certification
The MoD has laid out comprehensive training plans for air and ground crew, with mission planning systems and simulators designed to replicate real-world operational conditions. Additionally, vendors must offer a robust maintenance infrastructure and lifecycle support plan to ensure the AEW&C systems remain operational for up to 20 years.
Boost for 'Make in India' and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'
The procurement of six AEW&C systems will significantly boost India's aerial surveillance capabilities and national defense readiness. The flexibility in terms of Indian content and procurement categories supports a blend of indigenous and imported technology, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ and 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat or Self Reliant India' initiatives. Vendors are encouraged to submit proposals in line with the technical and operational specifications, focusing on advanced radar technology, electronic warfare capabilities, and secure communication systems.
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