Six EMB-145 Aircraft for Netra Mk1A: India is nearing a key step in expanding its airborne surveillance work. The Ministry of Defence is said to be getting close to a contract with Brazil’s Embraer. The deal is reportedly for six aircraft based on the EMB-145 for the Indian Air Force’s Netra Mk1A programme.
A report dated August 25 says Embraer would find matching EMB-145 platforms from the used aircraft market. This is because the EMB-145 is no longer built for new orders. The timing is notable. This comes only a few weeks after the Netra Mk1 system reached Final Operational Clearance. That milestone has added new push to India’s plans for next generation airborne early warning and control.
What Is The Netra Mk1a Programme?
The Netra Mk1A is expected to be an upgraded version of India’s indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform. The existing Netra fleet is based on the Embraer EMB-145 aircraft and was developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and Indian industry.
Netra acts as an airborne surveillance and battle-management platform, helping detect aerial and surface threats while providing commanders with a broader picture of the operational environment. DRDO says the system combines multiple sensors and mission systems to provide early warning of airborne and sea-surface targets, as well as hostile electronic emissions.
India currently operates three Netra Mk1 aircraft. On June 25, 2026, DRDO formally handed over the Final Operational Clearance certificate for the indigenous system to the IAF, marking a major milestone after years of operational development and refinement.
Why Does India Need More EMB-145 Platforms?
The Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of airborne early warning aircraft remains relatively small compared with its vast surveillance requirements. Along with three Netra systems, the IAF also operates three Phalcon AWACS platforms.
Additional aircraft would allow India to improve persistent surveillance and maintain better coverage across multiple sectors while accounting for aircraft undergoing maintenance, training and other operational commitments. The planned six Mk1A aircraft are part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s airborne surveillance network.
The Mk1A programme is also important because it builds upon an existing indigenous system rather than starting from scratch. The original Netra platform has already been developed, tested and brought into full operational service, potentially reducing technological risk for the follow-on version.
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EMB-145 Production Has Ended
One of the biggest complications is that new EMB-145 aircraft are no longer rolling off an active production line. The latest report suggests Embraer would therefore identify relatively suitable or lightly used airframes from the global secondary market.
After sourcing, the aircraft would reportedly be inspected and modified before being transferred for the integration of India’s mission systems. DRDO’s Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) in Bengaluru is expected to play a central role in integrating the indigenous radar and other specialised equipment.
What Improvements Could Netra Mk1A Bring?
The Mk1A version is expected to incorporate newer radar and electronic systems. Earlier reporting and official defence-related material have pointed to improved software and technologies, including Gallium Nitride-based transmit-receive modules for the radar, which could offer advantages in power efficiency and performance over older generations of radar hardware.
Recent reports have also suggested improved electronic warfare capabilities and enhanced detection performance against threats such as low-flying aircraft, drones and cruise missiles. However, the final specifications will depend on the configuration ultimately approved under the programme.
Embraer’s Alternative Praetor 600 Proposal
The airframe question may still have an interesting twist. Reports in June indicated that Embraer had proposed the newer Praetor 600 business jet as an alternative platform for India’s six additional AEW&C aircraft. Because the EMB-145 is no longer manufactured, a newer aircraft could offer advantages in range, altitude and future supportability.
For now, however, the latest report indicates that negotiations are focused on sourcing EMB-145 airframes. Until an official contract or government announcement confirms the final platform, the eventual choice should be treated as open.
Netra’s Final Operational Clearance
The timing is significant as the original Netra system received its FOC on June 25, 2026, with the Ministry of Defence describing the achievement as a major step in strengthening India’s airborne surveillance, situational awareness and battle-management capabilities. The milestone followed the system’s Initial Operational Clearance in 2017.
With the Mk1 platform now fully operationally cleared, the focus is increasingly shifting towards expanding the fleet and introducing improved technologies.
The Netra Mk1A effort will run in parallel with India’s bigger Netra Mk2 push. Netra Mk2 is planned for larger Airbus A321 aircraft. The goal is to move toward a stronger airborne surveillance system.
Six EMB-145 Aircraft for Netra Mk1A: What Comes Next?
First, there should be a clear confirmation of the procurement plan. There also needs to be agreement on the final aircraft setup. If the MoD and Embraer agree on the deal being discussed, Embraer finding the right airframes will matter for the schedule.
In June 2026, Embraer proposed its newer Praetor 600 business jet as an alternative structural platform for the Mk1A programme, a potentially significant pivot given the aircraft’s range exceeding 7,400 kilometres, a service ceiling of 45,000 feet, and superior cruise speed and endurance compared to the ageing ERJ-145 design. For the Indian Air Force, adding six more Netra Mk1A aircraft could expand its airborne early warning role. Still, until the government signs off on the contract, the final count, delivery timing and technical details remain unconfirmed.
