The government has approved the ₹20,000 crore Awacs India project, enabling the Indian Air Force to acquire six large airborne early warning and control systems capable of tracking enemy aircraft and ground sensors at extended ranges.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will collaborate with Indian companies and Airbus to integrate complex antenna systems aboard A321 aircraft previously acquired from Air India. The project, also called Netra MkII, includes indigenous mission control systems and AESA radars with dorsal fin-mounted equipment for comprehensive radar coverage.

Expected to complete within three years, this marks Airbus's first entry into traditionally Boeing-dominated territory. The IAF currently operates smaller Netra aircraft and three IL76 Phalcon systems that have faced technical issues.