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India is
expected to expand its fleet of airborne warning and Command
Systems (AWACS) adding up to five additional platforms to the
three Il-76 PHALCON aircraft currently under construction with
the first aircraft scheduled
for delivery in September 2007. The remaining two will be
delivered by 2009. Under the US$1.1 billion PHALCON deal with
Israel, New Delhi has an option to acquire three to five more
AWCs from Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) that would be delivered
during 2009-12. With aerial refueling capability, Il-76 PHALCONs
will be able to fly missions of 14 hours or more at high altitude,
extending their coverage over large airspace well beyond the
Indian borders.
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India is also developing a smaller AWACS version, mounting
locally developed radar derived from the Akash air defense missile,
mounted on an Embraer aircraft. India has already spent $500
million on the program, which could be used as a 'gap filler'
to complement ground based and airborne PHALCON systems.
India is also interested in acquiring several Hawkeye
2000 AEW aircraft to equip its aircraft carriers. The Indian
Navy is currently operating Kamov 28 HELIX AEW systems which
have limited range, endurance and coverage while Hawkeye aircraft
could extend their capability to keep up with strike capabilities
provided by new MiG-29s soon to join the Indian Navy service.
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