India's Next AEW&C and SIGINT Platforms May Begin as VIP Jets - idrw.org

India’s Air Force is seeking 4–6 long-range business jets through a Request for Information framed as a replacement for aging VIP transport aircraft, particularly Embraer Legacy units operated by the Air Headquarters Communication Squadron. Defence analysts, however, suggest the procurement could serve as the starting point for a new generation of compact special-mission platforms, including SIGINT, ELINT, airborne communication relay, compact AEW&C, airborne command posts, and network-centric warfare nodes. The article argues that militarized business jets are gaining attention due to operational flexibility, lower lifecycle costs, and survivability compared with larger aircraft derived from airliners. It highlights benefits such as long endurance, high-altitude operation, reduced radar signatures, faster deployment, and the ability to adapt one civilian airframe to multiple roles. Among contenders, it names Bombardier Global 6500 or Global 7500 and says Saab’s GlobalEye AEW&C is based on the Global platform. It also points to Gulfstream G550/G650, citing Israel Aerospace Industries conversions into CAEW, SIGINT and electronic-warfare platforms, with the piece linking that option to India’s defense ties with Israel.