Pakistan Receives Saab 2000 AEW&C with Erieye Radar

Pakistan has recently received a new Saab 2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft equipped with the advanced Erieye radar system. This acquisition marks a significant step in Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to modernize its air force and strengthen its national defense capabilities.

The newly arrived Saab 2000 AEW&C is expected to be stationed at Minhas Air Base, joining Pakistan’s growing fleet of early warning aircraft. This delivery is part of a series of orders that began in 2006 when Pakistan initially requested Erieye AEW&C aircraft. Due to budgetary constraints following a major earthquake, the original order was reduced. However, subsequent orders in 2017 and 2020 have further expanded Pakistan’s Erieye fleet, demonstrating the country’s commitment to bolstering its airborne early warning capabilities.

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The Saab 2000 AEW&C, developed by Swedish aerospace company SAAB, is a formidable asset in modern air defense. Built on the platform of the Saab 2000 twin turboprop passenger aircraft, this system offers a range of advanced features. It includes an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar operating in the S-Band frequency, a sophisticated friend-or-foe identification system, advanced data link communication systems, multi-role mission consoles for efficient operations, and electronic intelligence (ELINT) capabilities for enhanced situational awareness.

The Saab 2000 AEW&C boasts impressive operational capabilities. It has a maximum endurance of 9.5 hours, an operational range of 2000 nautical miles, a cruising speed of 340 knots, and a service ceiling of 30,000 feet. These specifications enable the aircraft to perform a variety of crucial tasks, including situational awareness, border surveillance, and search and rescue missions.

The acquisition of the Saab 2000 AEW&C is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to modernize its air force amidst regional competition. In addition to the Erieye-equipped aircraft, Pakistan has also ordered J-10C fighter jets from China, with the first batch delivered in March 2022. The country also actively deploys Chinese-made ZDK-03 AEW&C systems.

This latest addition to Pakistan’s air force inventory significantly enhances the country’s aerial surveillance and early warning capabilities. As tensions persist in the region, particularly with neighboring India, the Saab 2000 AEW&C provides Pakistan with advanced tools for monitoring its airspace and borders.

The continued expansion of Pakistan’s AEW&C fleet underscores the country’s determination to maintain a strong air defense posture. As the new Saab 2000 AEW&C integrates into Pakistan’s air force operations, it will play a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s airspace and contributing to regional stability. The aircraft’s advanced capabilities in situational awareness, border surveillance, and search and rescue missions make it a valuable asset in Pakistan’s evolving defense strategy.

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