Israel and Russia started development of two AWACS aircraft for India

Israel and Russia started development of two AWACS aircraft for India, IzRus reports with reference to Voenny Vestnik. 

This refers to a joint project designated “Falcon”: early warning radar systems developed by Elta will be installed on Il-76 aircraft manufactured by Ilyushin Company. 

In 2004 India signed a contract for delivery of three aircraft of the type; the vehicles were delivered to the customer in 2009-2011. Development of the two new jets is being carried out under the option included in this contract. Israel purchased two Il-76 fuselages from Uzbekistan. Russia purchased two Il-76 platforms from TAPOiCh (Tashkent Aviation Production Association named after V.P. Chkalov). The fuselages were delivered from Tashkent to Beriev Aircraft Company, where the jets will be retrofitted in accordance with the requirements of the Israeli party and fitted with the radars made in Israel. 

According to IzRus, in October 2012 Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, President Pranab Mukherjee presented a postage stamp dedicated to 80th anniversary of the Indian air forces; Falcon aircraft is pictured on the stamp. According to Daily News, this system “increased the country’s defense power dramatically”, that is why it was honored this way.