DRDO signs two contracts for AEW&C Mk-II programme
DRDO's Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) on 22 July 2026 signed contracts with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) to convert six A321 aircraft and with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies as Development-cum-Production Partner for mission systems, under the Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) Mk-II programme.
Summary
AIESL, New Delhi, will convert six A321 aircraft from commercial to 'green' configuration, while Adani Defence Systems and Technologies, Ahmedabad, will support CABS in integrating mission systems on the modified platform delivered by Airbus Defence & Space as the original equipment manufacturer. CABS and Adani Defence will carry out flight testing with the Indian Air Force for certification by CEMILAC and DGAQA. The AEW&C Mk-II system is meant to provide enhanced endurance, airborne surveillance, secure communication and command and control capability.
Key facts
- Signed
- 22 July 2026, New Delhi
- Lab
- Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), DRDO
- Contract 1
- AIESL – convert six A321 aircraft
- Contract 2
- Adani Defence Systems and Technologies – Development-cum-Production Partner for mission systems
- Platform OEM
- Airbus Defence & Space
- Certification
- CEMILAC and DGAQA
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which aircraft type will be converted for DRDO's AEW&C Mk-II programme under the contract signed with AIESL in July 2026?
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Correct answer: A — A321
AIESL will convert six A321 aircraft from commercial to green configuration for the AEW&C Mk-II programme.
Which DRDO laboratory is the nodal lab for the AEW&C Mk-II programme?
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Correct answer: A — Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS)
CABS is the nodal laboratory; it signed both contracts on 22 July 2026.
Consider the following statements about the AEW&C Mk-II contracts signed in July 2026: 1. Adani Defence Systems and Technologies is the Development-cum-Production Partner for mission systems. 2. Airbus Defence & Space is the original equipment manufacturer of the modified platform. 3. Certification will be obtained from CEMILAC and DGAQA. Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Correct answer: D — 1, 2 and 3
All three statements are correct per the Defence Ministry release.