DRDO inks two major contracts with Industry partners as part of AEW&C MK-II programme

The Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Centre for Air‑Borne Systems (CABS) signed two contracts on 22 July 2026. One with AI Engineering Services Limited (AIESL) for converting six Airbus A321 commercial aircraft to a green configuration for the AEW&C Mk‑II programme. The other with Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADSTL) as Development‑cum‑Production Partner for mission‑system integration on the AEW&C Mk‑II platform supplied by Airbus Defence & Space. CABS, ADSTL and the Indian Air Force will conduct flight‑testing and seek certification from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance. The system promises enhanced endurance, surveillance, secure communications and command‑and‑control capabilities, bolstering India’s air‑defence posture.