India’s indigenous airborne early warning fleet could soon receive a significant sensor enhancement, with DRDO’s Netra Mk1 Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) reportedly being considered for integration with a Multispectral Long Range Oblique Photography (LOROP) EO/IR system. The proposed sensor would be capable of imaging targets at ranges exceeding 100 kilometres across both electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) bands.
LOROP and Its Importance for Netra
LOROP is a long-range, high-magnification imaging technology that enables aircraft to capture detailed images of ground targets from significant stand-off distances. By using a large-aperture telephoto optical system positioned at an oblique angle, the aircraft can conduct reconnaissance without directly entering hostile or heavily defended airspace.
For Netra, which already provides airborne early warning, battle management, and situational awareness, adding a multispectral LOROP EO/IR payload could expand the aircraft’s role into long-range reconnaissance. The Indian Air Force has previously identified a requirement for EO/IR LOROP systems capable of operating beyond 150 kilometres as part of its broader Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) plans.
How the Multispectral EO/IR System Works
A multispectral LOROP system generally combines two primary imaging channels. The EO sensor provides high-resolution visible-light imagery, supporting daytime surveillance and detailed target identification. The IR channel detects thermal signatures, allowing the system to operate during nighttime and under reduced-visibility conditions.
Using both channels together could provide day-and-night surveillance from a stabilized sensor turret. Such a capability would be valuable for monitoring border areas, military movements, infrastructure, and strategic installations from long distances.
Expanding Netra’s Mission Capabilities
Based on the Embraer EMB-145 platform, Netra Mk1 has primarily been associated with its AESA radar, which provides wide-area detection and tracking of airborne and maritime targets. The platform has also reportedly undergone radar-related modernization, including the integration of a GaN-based AESA radar on one aircraft.
Combining this radar capability with a long-range EO/IR LOROP sensor could give the Indian Air Force a multifunctional platform capable of detecting and tracking threats with radar, visually confirming targets from stand-off distances, conducting day-and-night surveillance, and transmitting intelligence through secure data links.
This combination could reduce the need to deploy dedicated manned reconnaissance aircraft for certain missions and provide faster access to imagery than relying exclusively on satellite observations.
Strategic Value for Border Surveillance
A LOROP system capable of imaging beyond 100 kilometres could allow Netra to observe targets deep inside potential adversary territory while remaining within friendly or controlled airspace. This stand-off capability could support the monitoring of troop movements, military infrastructure, logistics activity, and other developments near sensitive borders.
It could also contribute to battlefield damage assessment and improve persistent ISR coverage without requiring the aircraft to enter contested airspace.
The proposed upgrade fits into India’s broader effort to develop network-centric airborne platforms that combine multiple sensors and distribute intelligence rapidly across the battlefield.
Part of Netra’s Wider Modernization
The reported LOROP integration forms part of a broader modernization pathway for India’s AEW&C fleet. The existing Netra Mk1 fleet comprises three EMB-145-based aircraft, while the Netra Mk1A is planned with enhanced mission systems. Meanwhile, the larger Netra Mk2, based on the Airbus A321 platform, is being developed to provide greater endurance and expanded surveillance capabilities.
Adding long-range EO/IR imaging to the Mk1 fleet would allow India to increase the operational value of its existing aircraft while the larger Mk2 program progresses.
Impact on India’s Airborne ISR
If successfully integrated, the multispectral LOROP system could transform Netra Mk1 into a more versatile airborne intelligence platform, combining wide-area radar surveillance with long-range optical reconnaissance.
The upgrade could improve India’s access to time-sensitive intelligence, reduce dependence on foreign reconnaissance sources, and strengthen surveillance capabilities during both routine border monitoring and contingency operations. Further details on the sensor supplier, integration schedule, and potential adoption across future Netra variants are expected as the program develops.
