India Gets Its First AEW&C Plane

In an official handover ceremony in Brazil, the Government of India took delivery of its first 145 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) class of aircraft from Embraer Defense and Security. Embraer completed delivery of the first aircraft following completion of ground and flight tests of the aircraft which met operational targets established by both Embraer and Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). “The collaboration with DRDO in such a complex program strengthens the ties between Brazil and India”, said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President & CEO of Embraer Defense and Security. “We are very proud to meet the expectations of our clients in providing CABS, DRDO with this platform”. “This EMB 145 AEW&C features major capabilities such as in-flight refueling system, significant increase in electric and cooling capacity and a comprehensive set of structural changes to which will allow the installation of the advanced mission systems that have been developed by India’s CABS (Centre for Air Borne Systems) along with its work centers of DRDO”, said Dr. Elangovan, Chief Controller R&D (Avionics & Aero) of DRDO. The Indian Air Force will receive their remaining AEW&C aircraft as part of a contract signed in 2008 including comprehensive package for training, technical support, spare parts, and ground support equipment.