AWACS, or Airborne Warning and Control System, is a high-tech aircraft equipped with advanced radar and sensors for early warning and surveillance. It plays a crucial role in command, control, and communication during military operations. These aircraft can detect airborne and surface targets, enhancing situational awareness and battlefield coordination. AWACS significantly extends radar coverage, especially over oceans and mountainous regions where ground-based radars fall short. In India, various AEW&C aircraft are in service, with ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the fleet for stronger aerial command capabilities.

During past India-Pakistan conflicts, AWACS aircraft proved to be game-changers by providing real-time surveillance and better coordination in the skies. India used its Netra AEW&C and Russian A-50E aircraft, while Pakistan operated the Saab 2000 Erieye and Chinese KJ-200 systems. These flying radars helped both sides keep an eye on enemy movements and manage air operations more effectively. Even today, they remain just as important, with India working on the upgraded Netra Mk 2 to stay ahead. As regional tensions continue and modern warfare evolves, these aircraft are key to maintaining strong air defense and situational awareness.

What is Airborne Warning & Control System?

An Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is a type of aircraft that is equipped with radar and other sensors to detect and track other aircraft, missiles, and surface vehicles. The primary function of an AWACS aircraft is to provide early warning and situational awareness to military commanders and other decision-makers, as well as to coordinate the activities of other aircraft and ground units.

AWACS aircraft are typically equipped with powerful radar systems that can detect and track a wide range of targets at long ranges. These systems can operate in different modes, including air-to-air, air-to-surface, and air-to-ground, depending on the specific mission. In addition to radar, AWACS aircraft may also be equipped with other sensors, such as infrared and electro-optical cameras, to provide additional situational awareness.

AWACS aircraft are used by a number of different countries around the world, and they have proven to be an essential tool in military operations ranging from air defense to intelligence gathering and communication.

Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Aircrafts in India

India operates a range of Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft to strengthen its air surveillance and defense capabilities. These aircraft, including the Netra AEW&C and the Ilyushin Il-76 A-50E, are equipped with advanced radar systems to detect and track enemy movements at long ranges. They play a key role in enhancing situational awareness and supporting command and control operations.

Airborne Early Warning (AEW) Aircrafts in Pakistan

Pakistan’s AEW aircraft fleet includes the Saab 2000 AEW&C and the Chinese KJ-200 AEW&C systems. These platforms enhance the country’s air defense capabilities by providing real-time surveillance, threat detection, and battlefield coordination support.

Characteristics of Airborne Warning & Control System

The Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is a type of aircraft designed to provide long-range radar surveillance and control of airspace. Some of the key characteristics of AWACS aircraft include:

1. Large radar dome: AWACS aircraft are equipped with a large, spherical radar dome mounted on the top of the fuselage. The radar dome houses a powerful radar system that can detect and track aircraft and other objects over a wide area.
2. Long-range communication capabilities: AWACS aircraft are equipped with a range of communication systems, including radios, data links, and satellite communications, to allow them to communicate with other aircraft and ground-based control centers.
3. Advanced mission management and control systems: AWACS aircraft are equipped with advanced mission management and control systems that allow them to coordinate and control air operations over a wide area. These systems can display real-time situational awareness information, such as the location and movements of aircraft, to help controllers make informed decisions.
4. Long endurance: AWACS aircraft are designed to have a long endurance, typically up to 12 hours or more, to allow them to remain on station for extended periods of time.
5. Large size: AWACS aircraft are typically large aircraft, such as modified commercial airliners or military transports, to accommodate the radar dome and other mission-specific equipment.

AWACS aircraft are used by military and civilian air traffic control agencies around the world to provide surveillance and control of airspace. They are particularly useful in situations where ground-based radar systems have limited coverage or are not available, such as over oceans or in mountainous terrain.

History of Airborne Warning & Control System

The Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is an aircraft that is designed to provide long-range surveillance, command, control, and communication capabilities for military operations. It is typically equipped with a variety of sensors, including radar, to detect and track aircraft and other objects in the air and on the ground.

The concept of an airborne early warning and control system dates back to World War II, when the British developed the first such system, known as the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. This system consisted of an aircraft equipped with radar and other sensors, which was used to detect and track enemy aircraft.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the United States and other countries developed their own AEW&C systems, which were used for a variety of purposes, including early warning, air defense, and battlefield surveillance. These systems were typically based on large aircraft, such as the U.S. E-3 Sentry and the British E-3D Sentry.

In the 1970s and 1980s, AEW&C systems underwent further development, with the introduction of new technologies such as digital computers, which improved their capabilities and made them more efficient. Today, AEW&C systems continue to be used by a number of countries for a variety of military and civilian applications, including air traffic control and disaster response.

Current & Upcoming Systems in Airborne Warning & Control System

India continues to strengthen its Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) capabilities with both current and upcoming systems. These platforms are designed to enhance surveillance, provide critical situational awareness, and support defense operations. Below is an overview of the key systems in development and in use.

Types of Airborne Warning & Control System

An Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is a type of aircraft that is designed to provide early warning, air control, and command and control functions for military operations. There are several types of AWACS aircraft in use by different countries around the world, including:

1. E-3 Sentry: This is a modified Boeing 707 aircraft that is used by the United States Air Force (USAF) and NATO. It is equipped with a large, rotating radar dome on top of the fuselage that can detect and track aircraft and missiles at long ranges. The E-3 Sentry also has a command and control center on board, which allows it to coordinate and direct the actions of other aircraft in its area of responsibility.
2. E-2 Hawkeye: This is a turboprop aircraft that is used by the United States Navy (USN) and other countries. It is equipped with a large, spinning radar antenna on top of the fuselage that can detect and track aircraft and missiles at long ranges. The E-2 Hawkeye also has a command and control center on board, which allows it to coordinate and direct the actions of other aircraft in its area of responsibility.
3. A-50: This is a Soviet-designed AWACS aircraft that is used by Russia and other countries. It is based on the Ilyushin Il-76 transport aircraft and is equipped with a large, rotating radar dome on top of the fuselage that can detect and track aircraft and missiles at long ranges. The A-50 also has a command and control center on board, which allows it to coordinate and direct the actions of other aircraft in its area of responsibility.
4. E-737 Peace Eagle: This is a Turkish-designed AWACS aircraft that is based on the Boeing 737 passenger aircraft. It is equipped with a large, rotating radar dome on top of the fuselage that can detect and track aircraft and missiles at long ranges. The E-737 Peace Eagle also has a command and control center on board, which allows it to coordinate and direct the actions of other aircraft in its area of responsibility.
5. E-767: This is a Japanese-designed AWACS aircraft that is based on the Boeing 767 passenger aircraft. It is equipped with a large, rotating radar dome on top of the fuselage that can detect and track aircraft and missiles at long ranges. The E-767 also has a command and control center on board, which allows it to coordinate and direct the actions of other aircraft in its area of responsibility.