The Indian Air Force (IFC, Delhi International) has turned to the market for used E145s to convert into EMB-145SM airborne early warning and control system (AEW&CS) Netra Mk1 aircraft, the industry news website India Defence Research Wing has reported.
IAF officials said there were plans to add six more E145-based Netra Mk1s. India currently operates two such aircraft, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), with a third aircraft used as a testbed. All three were acquired by the military directly from Embraer and were delivered in 2012, according to the ch-aviation fleets module.
The Brazilian manufacturer has reportedly offered its Praetor 600 business jet, which, while slightly smaller than the E145, has improved range and operating capabilities and is similar enough to facilitate the installation of the already designed AEW&CS modifications.
The Indian Air Force's DRDO is concurrently working on the modification of six ex-Air India A321-200s into Netra Mk2 AEW&CS aircraft. It also operates three Il-76A-50EIs converted into AEW&CS by Israel Aerospace Industries.
