DRDO inks two major contracts with AIESL, ADSTL as part of AEW&C MK-II programme
New Delhi, July 22
In a significant boost to 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat', the Centre for Air Borne Systems, a nodal laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation, signed two major contracts with AI Engineering Services Limited and Adani Defence Systems and Technologies on Wednesday for the Airborne Early Warning & Control Mk-II Programme.
A 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.
The contracts were signed by the Director, CABS, with the CEO, AIESL and the Head-Airborne Platform, ADSTL, in the presence of the Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Rajesh Kumar Singh, in New Delhi on July 22, 2026.
CABS, DRDO, with support from ADSTL as DcPP, is responsible for the integration of mission systems on the modified AEW&C MK II Platform, delivered by Airbus Defence & Space (Original Equipment Manufacturer). CABS and ADSTL will also carry out flight testing of the AEW&C MK II aircraft along with the Indian Air Force to obtain certification from airworthiness agencies - Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance.
AEW&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. This, in turn, will give a significant boost to the air defence capabilities and aid in neutralising threats across extended ranges.
The 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.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see CABS working with both AIESL and Adani. But I hope we are not becoming too dependent on private players like Adani for critical defense systems. Need to ensure transparency and fair competition. 🤔
This is a big step forward for Indian defense technology! The fact that we are integrating mission systems in collaboration with Airbus shows we are not just buying off-the-shelf but truly innovating. Proud moment for the nation. 🇮🇳
While this is good news, I hope the timelines are met. DRDO projects have a history of delays and cost overruns. Let's hope the private sector involvement speeds things up. Fingers crossed! 🤞
Amazing! This will give our Air Force a huge edge in surveillance and command control. Plus, involving Indian companies means more jobs and tech expertise staying in India. Win-win! 👏
It's encouraging to see the government pushing self-reliance in defense. But let's not forget that collaboration with foreign OEMs like Airbus is still necessary for complex tech. Hope this is a stepping stone to fully indigenous systems in the future.
This is what we need—more public-private partnerships in defense
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