DRDO seals two major deals with industry heavyweights for AEW&C MK-II programme

DRDO has signed two major contracts with industry partners as part of the AEW&C MK-II programme. The contracts are aimed at developing and producing Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) MKII Programme systems, which will provide enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communication, improved situational awareness, and enhanced command and control capabilities.

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Quick Revision

Prelims-testable facts

01The DRDO's Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) signed a contract with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) for the conversion of six A321 Aircraft from commercial to green configuration.
02A separate contract was inked with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADSTL), Ahmedabad to engage with the company as Development Cum Production Partner (DcPP) for Mission Systems designed for the AEW&C MKII Programme.
03The contracts were signed by Director CABS with CEO, AIESL and Head-Airborne Platform, ADSTL in the presence of Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh on July 22, 2026.
04CABS, DRDO will integrate mission systems on modified AEW&C MK II Platform delivered by Airbus Defence & Space (Original Equipment Manufacturer).
05AEW&C Mk II System from DRDO with CABS as the nodal laboratory will provide enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communication, improved situational awareness and enhanced command and control capabilities.
06The engagement of industries reaffirms the commitment of the Government to achieve self-reliance for fostering a robust ecosystem towards innovation, research and manufacturing within the country.
07CABS and ADSTL will carry out flight testing of the AEW&C MK II aircraft along with the Indian Air Force to obtain certification from airworthiness agencies.

Trap alerts

Most people think DRDO is only responsible for R&D, but actually it also collaborates with industry partners for development and production.
Most people think Airbus Defence & Space is the sole manufacturer of AEW&C MK II Platform, but actually CABS, DRDO will integrate mission systems on modified platform delivered by them.
Most people think AEW&C Mk II Programme is only focused on surveillance, but actually it also provides secure communication, improved situational awareness and enhanced command and control capabilities.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Single facteasy

On which date was the contract signed for the conversion of six A321 Aircraft from commercial to green configuration as part of the AEW&C MK-II programme?

A.July 20, 2026
B.July 22, 2026
C.July 25, 2026
D.August 1, 2026

The correct date is July 22, 2026. This contract was signed as part of the AEW&C MK-II programme.

Multiple statementsmedium

Consider the following statements regarding AEW&C MK II Programme: 1. The Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), DRDO has signed a contract with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) for the conversion of six A321 Aircraft from commercial to green configuration. 2. Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADSTL) is responsible for integration of mission systems on modified AEW&C MK II Platform. 3. The AEW&C Mk II System from DRDO will provide enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communication, improved situational awareness and enhanced command and control capabilities. How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one
B.Only two
C.All three
D.None

Statement 1 is correct as it directly mentions the contract signed by CABS with AIESL. Statement 2 is incorrect because CABS is responsible for integration of mission systems, not ADSTL. Statement 3 is correct as it describes the provisions of the AEW&C Mk II System.

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