Pakistan is reportedly interested in purchasing additional Saab 2000 Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) already operates a fleet of these aircraft and is looking to expand it. This interest is driven by the need to enhance their aerial surveillance and command capabilities, particularly in light of regional tensions with India, according to The Strategist.
Pakistan currently operates a fleet of Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft. They initially ordered six in 2006, but the order was reduced to four due to economic difficulties. They later added to the fleet with additional orders in 2017 and 2020.
Pakistan’s interest in acquiring more Erieye aircraft is driven by a desire to enhance its air defence capabilities and maintain a strategic advantage in the region. The Erieye’s radar can detect targets at long ranges, and its command and control capabilities are crucial for coordinating air operations.
The ongoing tensions with India are a significant factor driving Pakistan’s military acquisitions, including the Erieye. Pakistan aims to deter potential attacks by enhancing its surveillance and strike capabilities, according to the South China Morning Post.
Pakistan considered acquiring Chinese weapon systems, including the KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft, alongside the Erieye. However, some reports suggest a preference for the Erieye due to its proven track record and the PAF’s experience with it against the Indian Air Force.
Pakistan also utilises the Chinese-made ZDK-03 AEW&C system on a limited scale due to its limitations in radar technology, demonstrating Pakistan’s trust in Western AEW&C capabilities.
Saab 2000 Erieye
Pakistan has significantly expanded its fleet of Saab 2000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. Initially ordering four in 2006, Pakistan has since added more, with the PAF now operating a total of nine. These aircraft play a crucial role in border surveillance, situational awareness, and search and rescue operations.
Saab 2000 Erieye was instrumental in downing the Indian Air Force’s Rafale fighter jet in the Kashmir skirmish.
The Saab 2000 Erieye is a twin-turboprop aircraft equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. It can perform various missions, including early warning, surveillance, and command and control. The radar can detect fighter-sized targets at long ranges and has a strong ability to overcome enemy jamming.
Interest in GlobalEye AWACS
Pakistan is also exploring the potential of newer AEW&C systems, like the Saab GlobalEye, leveraging its experience with the Saab 2000 Erieye.
These aircraft enhance Pakistan’s overall airpower by providing crucial early warning capabilities and enabling more effective coordination of air operations.
Pakistan’s investments in AEW&C aircraft are partly driven by the need to maintain a strong defence posture in the face of regional competition, particularly with India.
Interest in Gripen fighter jets
Saab has been actively seeking new buyers for the Gripen, with Thailand and Peru recently choosing the Gripen over the F-16V Block 70.
Pakistan has been actively modernising its air force with other aircraft, including the JF-17 Thunder (co-developed with China) and is reportedly acquiring Turkish KAAN fifth-generation fighters, according to Bloomberg.
In the early 2000s, Pakistan reportedly expressed interest in the Gripen, and Sweden acknowledged this interest. The recent Kashmir skirmish proved that Pakistan needs either an American F-16V block 70 or a similar cost-effective platform like the Gripen E/F.
US President Donald Trump has hosted Pakistan’s army chief at the White House, an unprecedented meeting that analysts say risks worsening a disagreement with India.
The meeting on Wednesday local time was the first time a US president had hosted the powerful head of Pakistan’s army, widely regarded as having sway over the country’s national security policies, at the White House, unaccompanied by senior Pakistani civilian officials.
Mr Trump told reporters that he had thanked Field Marshal Asim Munir for ending the war with India and also praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom he had spoken with.
“Two very smart people decided not to keep going with that war; that could have been a nuclear war,” Mr Trump told reporters.
Asked earlier what he wanted to achieve from meeting Pakistan’s army chief, Mr Trump told reporters: “Well, I stopped a war … I love Pakistan. I think Modi is a fantastic man. I spoke to him last night. We’re going to make a trade deal with Modi of India.
“But I stopped the war between Pakistan and India. This man was extremely influential in stopping it from the Pakistan side, Modi from the India side, and others,” he said.
“They were going at it — and they’re both nuclear countries. I got it stopped.”
In the early 2000s, a significant obstacle to a potential sale was the US components in the Gripen. At the time, the US had sanctions in place against Pakistan, which prevented the sale of aircraft with US parts.
Military equipment sales are inherently political. The US, for example, can influence the sale of aircraft with US parts to other countries, as can other nations with components in the aircraft. Since the meeting between Field Marshal Asif Munir and President Trump, Pakistan’s bet is on Gripen and F-16V Block 70. According to Pakistani media, the US will provide approval for the purchase of either of these aircraft.
According to the DG ISPR of Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan has extensive experience with Swedish military hardware, and potential Gripen and GlobalEye acquisition would be the best platforms to counter India’s aggression.
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