Indian Defence Review

After having received the first of the three contracted Ilyushin Il 76-based Airborne Warning & Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft modified by Elta Systems, a subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), India has sought a proposal from the company to supply another three similar systems In a deal that is potentially worth $1.5 billion.

Doubling the fleet of AWACS aircraft would substantially enhance the IAF’s air defence capabilities. Under the original contract, the IAF is scheduled to receive its second AWACS aircraft in the near future and the third aircraft by the middle of 2011. Roles for the type include the tactical surveillance of airborne targets and electronic intelligence-gathering missions.