SOURCE: AFI
In a development that significantly enhances India’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, a Bombardier Global 5000 jet operated by the Research and Analysis Wing (RA&W) has been spotted actively flying missions near the western border. What makes this platform particularly potent is its integration of an advanced Israeli Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system that allows it to peer deep into Pakistani territory — capturing high-resolution images of targets more than 150 km inside the border.
The Global 5000, a long-range business jet manufactured by Bombardier, has been extensively modified for electronic and radar surveillance roles. It is used by RA&W’s Aviation Research Centre (ARC), which operates a small but highly specialized fleet of airborne intelligence assets. The aircraft is capable of flying at altitudes above 45,000 feet, giving it a wide field of view and extended radar horizon.
Fitted with a cutting-edge Israeli SAR payload, the platform can deliver sub-meter resolution images—even at night and through cloud cover or camouflage. Sources familiar with the system claim it is capable of detecting, identifying, and imaging small structures, vehicle movements, and installations inside Pakistan, including those in Punjab, Sindh, and even Balochistan.
The radar system believed to be onboard the aircraft is from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) or Elta Systems, both of which are known for their advanced EL/M-2060P and EL/M-2055 SAR/GMTI payloads. These systems:
- Provide real-time Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) capabilities
- Are capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously
- Can generate footprint-resolution imagery of installations, roads, airbases, and even subterranean bunkers
- Offer automated change detection, useful in tracking shifting terrorist hideouts and military build-ups
One of the key strategic advantages of the Global 5000 with SAR capability is that it can conduct surveillance without violating Pakistani airspace. Flying well within Indian territory, the aircraft can still monitor over 150 km inside Pakistan, giving India actionable intelligence without escalating tensions.
This capability is especially critical in regions such as PoK, Punjab, and North Waziristan, where terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and others have been reported to maintain training camps and logistical nodes.
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