Previous Year Question
Three ‘Phalcon AWACS’ supplied by Israel were received in India for the first time in:
March 2009
April 2009
May 2009
February 2009
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
India received its first Phalcon AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) from Israel in May 2009. The first AWACS arrived in India on 25 May 2009 and landed at Jamnagar Air Force Station.
The Phalcon AWACS combined an Israeli Phalcon radar and mission system with a Russian-origin IL-76 aircraft. Thus, the programme primarily involved India, Israel and Russia.
AWACS is commonly described as an “Eye in the Sky.” Its major functions include detecting and tracking enemy aircraft and other airborne threats from long distances and providing real-time information for fighter aircraft and air-defence operations.
India had signed a contract with Israel in 2004 for the acquisition of three Phalcon AWACS. The first system was received in May 2009, followed by the induction of the remaining systems into the Indian Air Force.