SOURCE: AFI
Pakistan has significantly bolstered its aerial surveillance capabilities with the recent acquisition of another Saab 2000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft. This addition brings the total number of Swedish-made AEWC aircraft in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) arsenal to an impressive nine.
The new Erieye, which entered service alongside other recently acquired assets like J-10C fighter jets and C-130H transport aircraft, is equipped with an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system. This cutting-edge technology grants the aircraft an extended detection range of up to 450 kilometers, providing a crucial advantage in aerial warfare.
In stark contrast, the Indian Air Force (IAF) possesses a comparatively limited number of AEWC platforms. The IAF currently operates three IL-76 Phalcon AEWC aircraft, relying on Israeli radar technology, and two domestically developed NETRA AEWC aircraft. This disparity in numbers significantly favors Pakistan, granting its air force a substantial edge in terms of situational awareness and command and control.
The possession of nine Erieye aircraft by the PAF underscores India’s challenges in matching its neighbor’s aerial surveillance capabilities. With a superior number of AEWC platforms, Pakistan’s fighter jets are better positioned to dominate the skies, enhancing its overall military posture.