SOURCE: IDRW NEWS NETWORK (INN)
Naval Commodore (Retd) close to idrw.org has confirmed that Indian Navy is looking to buy four carrier-based- airborne early warning and control aircraft for INS Vishal aka IAC-II for which Northrop Grumman has provided Navy technical information on its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye which is only AEW platform which can operate from aircraft carriers.
India and United States are working closely in framing final design and technical aspects of 65000-tonne Indigenous aircraft carrier which India plans to build next. India is also keen on integrating Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) aircraft catapult systems from the United States.
E-2D Advanced Hawkeye provides unprecedented and continuous 360° air and surface surveillance to the other Naval fighter jets operating in the vicinity. E-2D is equipped with powerful AN/APY-9 radar system which is considered generational leap in radar technology which is specifically designed for cruise missile detection in the protection of Carrier Battle Group.
India which has more than 4700 miles of coastline which requires Three Carrier Battle Groups for robust surveillance of its Naval frontiers. E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a system which will ensure security and stability of Carrier Battle Group said (Retd) Commodore to idrw.org.