South America, Indonesia Eye India's Netra AEW&C

India's ambitious strides in indigenous defence development are attracting attention on the international stage.

Sources indicate growing interest from South American nations and Indonesia in the Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&Cs), marking a potential breakthrough for the country's defence export sector.

The Netra Advantage​

Developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Netra offers a potent aerial surveillance and command-and-control solution.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently fields three Netra AEW&C MkI aircraft, built on Embraer ERJ 145 platforms. These provide 240-degree coverage with their indigenously designed radar systems, significantly augmenting India's ability to monitor and manage its airspace.

Growing Capabilities​

Recognizing the Netra's tactical value, the IAF is expanding its fleet. Six additional Netra AEW&C MkIA – an enhanced variant of the MkI – are in the procurement pipeline.

Plus, India envisions acquiring six Netra Mk II AEW&Cs. These will utilize the Airbus A320 airframe, promising longer endurance and greater situational awareness.

Strategic Implications of Netra Exports​

The Netra's rising export appeal highlights India's emergence as a credible defence technology supplier. Successful exports would bring these vital early-warning capabilities to partner nations, reinforcing regional security.

Moreover, it would affirm India's progress in developing advanced, exportable military systems, opening doors to further collaborations and solidifying its position as a key player in the global defence market.

India's Evolving Defence Industry​

The interest in the Netra AEW&Cs reflects a wider shift within India's defence sector. The government's 'Make in India' initiative fuels self-reliance and a focus on exporting homegrown technologies.

The success of platforms like the Netra showcases the results of this drive, encouraging greater investment and a more prominent role for India in the global arms trade.

Conclusion​

India's Netra AEW&Cs appear poised to make their mark both domestically and internationally.

Continued investment in the program, coupled with successful exports, could signal a turning point for India's defence sector, generating strategic partnerships while positioning the nation as a major source for advanced military technology.

 

[Axszelll]

You may be true, but if india throws an outrageously low offer based on soft loans from India, phillipines can be tempted. We just need 1 happy customer for tejas. After that floodgates will open, IMO

Bhai mere tejas koi nhi kareedega kyunki unko bhi pata hai ki agar abhi order denge toh 50 saal baad hi complete ho payega

 

[amerjit johal]

You may be true, but if india throws an outrageously low offer based on soft loans from India, phillipines can be tempted. We just need 1 happy customer for tejas. After that floodgates will open, IMO

Any soft loans we offer - will be matched by Sweden Korea etc.
The Philippines are very close to USA - and will get subsidised / re-furbishedF16's.
I really can't see any customers for Mk1 / Mk1A in the near future.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Any soft loans we offer - will be matched by Sweden Korea etc.
The Philippines are very close to USA - and will get subsidised / re-furbishedF16's.
I really can't see any customers for Mk1 / Mk1A in the near future.

Na, i dont think so. Most countries dont sell defence equipment on line of credit. China does, because it is rich. I am not aware of korea or sweden doing so.

 

[amerjit johal]

Na, i dont think so. Most countries dont sell defence equipment on line of credit. China does, because it is rich. I am not aware of korea or sweden doing so.

What? and Sweden Korea USA are poor countries.
If there is an order to be had - anything is possible.

 

[Pink Panther]

Na, i dont think so. Most countries dont sell defence equipment on line of credit. China does, because it is rich. I am not aware of korea or sweden doing so.

We do to to Armenia, Nepal, Maldives, Srilanka and some African Nations.

 

[Sridhar]

Let DRDO complete IAF requirement then it can think of catering to foreign customers .

 

[Anant]

Any soft loans we offer - will be matched by Sweden Korea etc.
The Philippines are very close to USA - and will get subsidised / re-furbishedF16's.
I really can't see any customers for Mk1 / Mk1A in the near future.

South Korea is not in the running. The Philippines have had issues with parts and maintenance with their FA-50s, and South Korea's response has been less than optimal.

 

[Akshat]

Na, i dont think so. Most countries dont sell defence equipment on line of credit. China does, because it is rich. I am not aware of korea or sweden doing so.

Absolutely wrong. All major sellers provide loans. There is currently a law pending in Parliament of South Korea to change the lending rules. South Korea has provided 6trillion Wons worth of loan to Poland and is ready to give even more as part of their deal. Many other such cases are there as well. France gave a loan to Egypt when they sold Rafale and ships etc. One of the reasons Brazil bought Gripen was lower financing costs.

So all major countries do this. But major buyers like India don’t prefer this as they can rather take loan from open market at cheaper rates as part of sovereign bonds.

 

[Anton Sokolov]

Everyone shows interests but when will they buy ? Why did Defense PSU not took part in Artillery tender in Brazil ? Argentina Defense ministers and officials visited HAL helicopter facility where is the order? Brazilian Defense personnel visited akash firing, where is the order ? Just showing interest will not work

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Absolutely wrong. All major sellers provide loans. There is currently a law pending in Parliament of South Korea to change the lending rules. South Korea has provided 6trillion Wons worth of loan to Poland and is ready to give even more as part of their deal. Many other such cases are there as well. France gave a loan to Egypt when they sold Rafale and ships etc. One of the reasons Brazil bought Gripen was lower financing costs.

So all major countries do this. But major buyers like India don’t prefer this as they can rather take loan from open market at cheaper rates as part of sovereign bonds.

Oh, you mean to say, that poland, or brazil, could not take loans from open market? Poland is among top 5 economies in EU, and brazil is among top 10 economies in the world and largest in south america. Giving loans to buy defence equipment, is not the norm in defence market. Lots of factors go into this decision.

regarding the south korean sale to poland- here is what polish PM said-
"South Korean loan for Poland arms deal does not exist"
"In the end it turned out that there was some misunderstanding... it turned out that there was no Korean loan."

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

We do to to Armenia, Nepal, Maldives, Srilanka and some African Nations.

yeah, India has a good bank balance to front this cost, as well as the need to bolster domestic industry.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

What? and Sweden Korea USA are poor countries.
If there is an order to be had - anything is possible.

Korea did not sell its arms to poland on loans- this is what polish PM said on the defence deal- "In the end it turned out that there was some misunderstanding... it turned out that there was no Korean loan." There are lots of factors that go into the decision to give soft loans for defence products and it depends on the buyer, seller, ability to repay loan, what is being bought etc.

 

[Akshat]

Oh, you mean to say, that poland, or brazil, could not take loans from open market? Poland is among top 5 economies in EU, and brazil is among top 10 economies in the world and largest in south america. Giving loans to buy defence equipment, is not the norm in defence market. Lots of factors go into this decision.

regarding the south korean sale to poland- here is what polish PM said-
"South Korean loan for Poland arms deal does not exist"
"In the end it turned out that there was some misunderstanding... it turned out that there was no Korean loan."

The cherry picking of your data is just 😂😂😂

While Poland is in the top 5 in colonies of WU, it is not even a 700 Billion USD economy. The deal with SK would have equal to almost their annual defense budget. Imagine India signing a 60 billion USD deal with a single country. Yes, that’s how big the deal is.

As for Brazil. When the deal was signed, Brazil had negative growth rate.

So no. Giving loans is the standard practice. Or other alternate ways, like leases. Or the Iran- French deal where they planned to use crude for payment (not successfully). Very rarely are deals done in all cash except the Arab nations or big nations or G7 or so nations.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

The cherry picking of your data is just 😂😂😂

While Poland is in the top 5 in colonies of WU, it is not even a 700 Billion USD economy. The deal with SK would have equal to almost their annual defense budget. Imagine India signing a 60 billion USD deal with a single country. Yes, that’s how big the deal is.

As for Brazil. When the deal was signed, Brazil had negative growth rate.

So no. Giving loans is the standard practice. Or other alternate ways, like leases. Or the Iran- French deal where they planned to use crude for payment (not successfully). Very rarely are deals done in all cash except the Arab nations or big nations or G7 or so nations.

No you are wrong, Giving loans for defence equipment is not standard practice. Standard practice is paying for the Equipment in installments as the equipment get delivered.

 

[Prashu Sam]

How are we going to export it? Even lets take imaginary potential buyer.

Netra Platform is based on 145 ERJ platform which is no longer in Production which means for next set of manufacturing, we need C-295 or Airbus. Both options will take some time to build, develop and operational readiness. How come anyone will buy from you on such hypothetical design.

Articles like this create false hope and narrative and ultimately results in disappointment

 

[Akshat]

No you are wrong, Giving loans for defence equipment is not standard practice. Standard practice is paying for the Equipment in installments as the equipment get delivered.

I have already given examples. Every country in the world gives loans. That’s the standard practice.