In a significant development, the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is embarking on a remarkable transformation journey for its 'Anusandhan' A319 aircraft, previously part of Air India's fleet, which was handed over to DRDO in 2021. This transformation involves extensive structural modifications to convert the aircraft into a Flying Test Bed for a range of advanced airborne surveillance systems, marking a pivotal advancement in India's defense capabilities.
The 'Anusandhan' flight test bed is set to undergo a series of crucial modifications to accommodate cutting-edge surveillance technologies, including:
1. Belly Mount: A belly mount will be installed to house Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors, and more. This enhancement will enable comprehensive surveillance capabilities from beneath the aircraft.
2. Dorsal Upgrades: The dorsal section of the aircraft will be adapted to accommodate satcom equipment, enabling secure communication capabilities during missions.
3. Ventral Enhancement: A ventral section will be equipped to accommodate Data Link systems, ensuring seamless data transmission and connectivity.
4. Chin Adaptation: The aircraft's chin area will be configured to accommodate Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR) systems on both sides of the fuselage, providing comprehensive situational awareness.
The 'Anusandhan' flight test bed will serve as a versatile platform for testing and validating various components, with a particular focus on the NETRA Mk2 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) program. This contribution will significantly refine and enhance the program's efficiency.
However, the aircraft's utility extends beyond the AEW&CS program. DRDO's Center for Airborne Systems (CABS) is concurrently developing the COMJAM (Communication Jammer) and Airborne Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) platforms for the Indian Air Force (IAF). These platforms, based on the Airbus A321 aircraft, will play a pivotal role in advancing electronic warfare capabilities. The 'Anusandhan' flight test bed will be instrumental in testing and validating the sensors and systems destined for these platforms.
Furthermore, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is gearing up to procure the COMJAM and Airborne SIGINT platforms based on the Airbus A321 aircraft. To achieve this objective, the IAF plans to initiate a tender process to acquire suitable aircraft from the used commercial market. This strategic move underscores the IAF's unwavering commitment to advancing its electronic warfare and surveillance capabilities.
DRDO's transformative efforts with the 'Anusandhan' A319 aircraft represent a significant leap forward in India's defense capabilities, with far-reaching implications for the nation's security and electronic warfare preparedness.