‘Netra’, which has given new strength to the country’s security, has now become fully operational. This indigenous eye flying in the sky can remotely monitor every activity of the enemy and provides real-time intelligence to the Indian Air Force. The indigenous reconnaissance and surveillance aircraft Netra Avox, developed at the Center for Air Borne Systems CABS, India’s Defense Research and Development Organization DRDO, got the final operational clearance i.e. FOC today. This means that our eye in the sky “Netra”, which played an important role in Balakot and Operation Sindoor, is now completely ready to further strengthen the Air Force.
What is FOC?
At the event held in Bengaluru, Vice Chief of Air Staff Awadhesh Bharti received the FOC certificate and announced the formal induction of Netra into the Air Force fleet. FOC is the final stage in which an aircraft or military system is declared completely mission ready after completing all the required tests and standards. This comes after Initial Approval of Operations (IOC).
What is the specialty of Netra?
AEW&C i.e. Airborne Early Warning and Control Netra is a state-of-the-art aerial surveillance and command-and-control system developed by India. It has been made in the CABS Lab of Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India. The system is capable of detecting and monitoring enemy fighter aircraft, missiles, drones and other aerial threats from long ranges. ‘Netra’ not only conducts surveillance but also provides vital information to IAF fighter aircraft and ground control stations in real time, which helps in taking quick and accurate decisions during war.
Why is it called a flying eye in the sky?
AEW&C Netra strengthens the network-centric warfare capability of the Indian Air Force and plays a vital role in securing the country’s air borders. Its Final Operational Clearance (FOC) is being considered a major achievement towards India’s self-reliance in the field of indigenous defense technology. ‘Netra’ is often called India’s “flying eye in the sky” as it is capable of monitoring aerial activity hundreds of kilometers away.
The strength of the Air Force will increase
This system built on Embraer aircraft will work to increase the strength of the Indian Air Force manifold by keeping an eye on enemy missiles and aircraft in the sky. Under this project, state-of-the-art surveillance sensors have been fitted on Brazilian Embraer aircraft. The main function of this system is to conduct early reconnaissance and issue early warning of enemy fighter planes, drones, missiles entering Indian airspace and even threats hovering on the sea surface.
completely indigenous system
Till now India was dependent on foreign radar technology for this system but now this system has become completely indigenous. The Deputy Air Force Chief said that Netra has proved its capability well in Balakot and Operation Sindoor and being indigenous, our country and the Air Force will get a lot of advantage from it. Dr Binay Kumar Das, DG ECS of DRDO, said that this success of the scientists will make it easier for future technology upgradation and work as per the requirement of our force.
Read this also- Indian Air Force slaps Pakistan, releases big information on Rafale fighter planes
PM Modi handed over 3 warships to the Navy, said- ‘The stronger the maritime capability, the greater the economic-strategic impact, India is preparing itself’
SK Sharma is a content writer who writes on news, entertainment, and lifestyle topics. She has over four years of experience and is known for conveying information in simple and clear language.
