India’s Ministry of Defence is set to approve the acquisition of six Embraer aircraft from Brazil to be modified by the DRDO with Netra Mark 1A airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) systems, enhancing surveillance capabilities. The proposal, to be reviewed by the Defence Acquisition Council led by Rajnath Singh, addresses gaps highlighted during Operation Sindoor (May 7-10, 2025), where India’s S-400 system downed a Pakistani SAAB-2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft. Pakistan’s seven Erieye and four ZDK-03 aircraft outnumber India’s current fleet of three Netra Mk1 and three Phalcon AWACS, prompting urgency for advanced systems.

The move follows India’s analysis of Chinese and Turkish weapons recovered during Operation Sindoor, a response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26. India also plans to acquire six mid air refuellers, complementing the leased KC-135 and existing IL-78 fleet, to bolster deterrence against regional threats from Pakistan and China.