AEW&C Mk-II contracts signed with AIESL, Adani Defence

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed two major contracts for the Airborne Early Warning & Control Mk-II programme with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies Limited (ADSTL), marking a push toward self-reliance in defence manufacturing. AIESL will convert six Airbus A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration, enabling the platform for installing advanced mission systems, while ADSTL will serve as the Development-Cum-Production Partner for those mission systems. Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), DRDO’s nodal laboratory, will oversee integration of the mission systems onto the modified aircraft, with Airbus Defence & Space delivering the aircraft and the Indian Air Force conducting flight tests ahead of certification. The programme is designed to deliver longer endurance, enhanced airborne surveillance, secure communications, improved situational awareness, and stronger command-and-control capabilities to boost India’s air-defence reach. The collaboration emphasizes domestic industry participation and is aligned with the government’s self-reliance and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative. The agreements were formalised in New Delhi on July 22, 2026, in the presence of senior Defence and DRDO officials.