India has taken delivery of its first AWACS plane (Airborne Warning and Control System) - significantly extending its surveillance capabilities.
The early warning aircraft is part of a $US600 billion deal with Israel and Russia.
The BBC reports the plane is expected to reinforce India's maritime security following the attacks on Mumbai last November.
India has ordered another two AWACS as it upgrades its military capabilities.
Analysts say the purchase is part of India's efforts to achieve air dominance over Pakistan. Russia and Israel are India's two largest military suppliers.
India's defence procurement is expected to rise to about $US100 billion over the next 10 years.
