Known well for over two years now, the government has finally signed on the dotted line with Brazil and made an official announcement. Here it is: In a path breaking development, India and Brazil have entered into a deal to jointly develop an Early Warning System for the Indian Air Force. The agreement was signed here today by Dr S Christopher, Director, Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO, and Mr Luis Carlos Aguiar, Executive Vice President (Defence and Govt. Market), M/s Embraer in the presence of Mr. Marco Brandao, Brazilian Ambassador and M Natarajan, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister.
The Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System is being developed by the Bangalore based CABS for the Indian Air Force. Under the deal, Brazil’s Embraer aircraft manufacturer will modify its regional jet aircraft, EMB-145 to carry the Active Array Antenna Unit (AAAU), developed by the DRDO, on the aircraft’s fuselage. Three modified EMB-145 aircraft will be developed under this agreement; the first one to be delivered in three years
The various sub-systems of the AEW&C Mission system will be integrated into the ‘modified green’ aircraft by DRDO and the full-fledged EMB-145 based AEW&C will be flight tested for Mission system in India by DRDO along with IAF from 2012. The AEW&C system comprises many sub-systems like Radar and communication links that are being designed and developed by DRDO.
A few EMB-145 based AEW&C/AWACS versions are already in operation with Air Forces of Brazil, Mexico and Greece.
Photo Courtesy www.greekmilitary.net
Hope Dr.chrisopher saab will not allow this project go the MMR way!
shiv, still waiting for your LCH article !!