DRDO Inks Two Major Contracts with Industry Partners as Part of AEW&C MK-II Program

On 22 July 2026, DRDO's Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) signed two contracts in New Delhi as part of the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) MK-II Program. One contract was signed with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) for converting six A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration, and the other with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADSTL), Ahmedabad, engaging it as Development-cum-Production Partner for the Mission Systems. The signing took place in the presence of Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh.

What Do Two DRDO Contracts Involve?

AIESL will convert six A321 aircraft into a "green" configuration to serve as the base platform. ADSTL, as Development-cum-Production Partner, will handle integration of mission systems on the modified AEW&C MK-II platform, which is being delivered by Airbus Defence & Space as the original equipment manufacturer.

Who Signed the DRDO Two Contracts?

The contracts were signed by the Director of CABS along with the CEO of AIESL and the Head-Airborne Platform at ADSTL, in the presence of the Defence Secretary and DRDO Chairman Rajesh Kumar Singh.

What Capabilities Will the AEW&C MK-II System Provide?

• CABS and ADSTL will also carry out flight testing with the Indian Air Force to secure certification from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance.
•  Once operational, the AEW&C MK-II system will offer enhanced endurance, advanced airborne surveillance, secure communication, and improved situational awareness, strengthening India's air defence and threat-neutralisation capabilities across extended ranges.

How do the DRDO’s two major contracts support Aatmanirbhar Bharat?

The dual contracts mark a step forward for India's self-reliance goals in defence manufacturing, reinforcing a domestic ecosystem for innovation, research, and production in advanced aerospace systems.