SOURCE: AFI
The aerial battleground between India and Pakistan has witnessed a significant escalation in recent times, with both nations vying for supremacy in the skies. A crucial aspect of this aerial dominance is the employment of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) systems.
Pakistan has made substantial strides in this domain by expanding its fleet of Saab 2000 Erieye AEWC aircraft to nine. While India boasts a smaller fleet of three NETRA AEWC aircraft based on the Embraer ERJ 145 platform, it is actively working to bridge this gap. The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to induct six more NETRA Mk1A AEWC aircraft, leveraging the enhanced capabilities of the Embraer 145 jet platform.
While Pakistan currently holds a numerical advantage, India possesses certain strategic benefits. All Indian AEW&C platforms are equipped for aerial refueling, extending their operational endurance significantly compared to their Pakistani counterparts. Additionally, Indian systems, particularly the Phalcon, can control larger packages of fighter aircraft, offering greater command and control capabilities.
It’s noteworthy that Pakistan has retired its fleet of Chinese ZDK-03 AWACS due to performance and reliability issues. This decision underscores the challenges faced by nations in developing indigenous AEW&C systems and the reliance on proven foreign platforms.
The evolving landscape of aerial warfare in the region necessitates continuous technological advancements and strategic planning. Both India and Pakistan are likely to invest heavily in enhancing their AEW&C capabilities to maintain a decisive edge in future conflicts.
Saab 2000 Erieye AEWC
Crew: 2
Capacity: 50–58 passengers or 5,900 kg (13,007 lb) payload
Length: 27.28 m (89 ft 6 in)
Wingspan: 24.76 m (81 ft 3 in)
Height: 7.73 m (25 ft 4 in)
Wing Area: 55.7 m² (600 sq ft)
Empty Weight: 13,800 kg (30,424 lb)
Max Takeoff Weight: 22,800 kg (50,265 lb)
Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100P turboprop engines, 3,096 kW (4,152 hp) each
Propellers: 6-bladed Dowty Propellers constant-speed composite fully feathering and reversible-pitch propellers
Performance:
Field Length: 1,200 m
Maximum Speed: 685 km/h (426 mph, 370 kn)
Cruise Speed: 665 km/h (413 mph, 359 kn)
Range: 2,869 km (1,783 mi, 1,549 nmi)
Service Ceiling: 9,450 m (31,000 ft)
Rate of Climb: 11.4 m/s (2,240 ft/min)
NETRA AEWC
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 22,000 kg (48,501 lb)
Maximum Landing Weight: 19,300 kg (42,549 lb)
Maximum Payload: 5,786 kg (12,755 lb)
Maximum Usable Fuel: 5,136 kg (11,322 lb)
Typical Seat Capacity: 50 seats
Performance:
Range: 1,550 nm (2,873 km)
Max Cruise Speed: M 0.78
Time to Climb to FL350: 18 min
Takeoff Field Length: 1,380 m
Landing Field Length: 1,400 m
Service Ceiling: 37,000 ft