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SAO PAULO (BNS): Brazil's top planemaker Embraer on Thursday delivered the first EMB-145 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) class of aircraft to India, in a ceremony held at Embraer's headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil.

The company said in a statement that the delivery followed the successful completion of ground and flight tests of the aircraft which met operational targets established by both Embraer and Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

"The collaboration with DRDO in such a complex programme strengthens the ties between Brazil and India", said Luiz Carlos Aguiar, President & CEO of Embraer Defence and Security.

"We are very proud to meet the expectations of our clients in providing CABS, DRDO with this platform," he added.

The aircraft will be delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) after integration of missions systems of DRDO by CABS in India.

The delivery is part of a contract signed in 2008 that includes a comprehensive package for training, technical support, spare parts, and ground support equipment, Embraer said.

"EMB-145 AEW&C features major capabilities such as in-flight refueling system, significant increase in electric and cooling capacity and a comprehensive set of structural changes to which will allow the installation of the advanced mission systems that have been developed by India's CABS (Centre for Air Borne Systems) along with its work centers of DRDO", said Dr. Elangovan, Chief Controller R&D (Avionics & Aero) of DRDO.

These aircraft, upon entry-into-service, will join four Embraer Legacy 600 jets - currently operated by IAF for the transportation of Indian government officials and foreign dignitaries - and a fifth Embraer Legacy 600 which belongs to the Border Security Force (BSF), under India's Home Ministry.