DRDO signs agreements for A321 conversion, boosting AEW&C Mk-II program and defense self-reliance

New Delhi, The DRDO on Wednesday signed an agreement with a firm for conversion of six A321 aircraft from "commercial to green configuration", further leading to the development and production of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-II programme, the defence ministry said.

A separate contract was signed with another company to engage with it as development-cum-production partner (DcPP) for mission systems designed for the AEW&C Mk-II programme, it said.

The move offers a "significant boost" to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, officials said.

Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), DRDO, has signed a contract with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL), New Delhi for "the conversion of six A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration, further leading to the development and production of Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Ml-II programme", the ministry said in a statement.

The other contract was signed with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADSTL), Ahmedabad to engage with the company as DcPP for mission systems designed for the AEW&C Mk-II programme, it said.

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 ministry said.

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, it said.

The contracts were signed by director, CABS with CEO, AIESL; and head, airborne platform, ADSTL, in the presence of Defence Secretary and Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO, Rajesh Kumar Singh in New Delhi.

CABS, DRDO with support from ADSTL as DcPP is responsible for integration of mission systems on modified AEW&C Mk-II platform, delivered by Airbus Defence & Space (original equipment manufacturer), the statement said.

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, it said.