The purchase of the KJ-500 AEW & C system for Pakistan’s Air Force can prove to be an important and strategic change, capable of renewing the strategic balance of the Indian subcontinent. After the recent conflicts with India at Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has adopted a strategy to strengthen its aerial capacity and is developing an advanced system in this direction with China.
Introduction and technical characteristics of KJ-500
The KJ-500 is a state-of-the-art AEW & C aircraft manufactured by China, based on the Shanxi Y-9 transport aircraft. The aircraft consists of three AESA radars, which provide 360-degree coverage. Because of this, it can identify and track air goals from hundreds of kilometers away. The KJ-500 provides much faster, accurate and detailed information compared to the traditional rotodom system. It can detect fighter aircraft, missiles and other aerial threats from about 470 kilometers away. Its flight capacity is also extremely impressive, which can remain in the air continuously for 12 hours at a time and fly for about 5,700 kilometers.
Strategic importance
The KJ-500 is not just a monitoring device, but it is a force multiplier to increase the speed and effectiveness of decision making in the battlefield. Due to its real-time data collection and processing capacity, Pakistan’s Air Force will be able to plan its airspace security and attack strategies more accuracy. This system, developed in collaboration with China, will enable Pakistan to predict India’s air strikes, to warn its fighter aircraft on time and retaliate. Thus it can prove to be a decisive turn in the outlook of the air war between India and Pakistan.
China-Pakistan cooperation
China has earlier strengthened its Air Force by supplying advanced fighter jets like JF-17 Thunder to Pakistan. Now China has become the main partner of the “Kill Chen” system of Pakistan’s next generation through the KJ-500 AEW & C system. This cooperation not only technically enables Pakistan, but can also change regional safety equations.
Impact on India
With the advent of KJ-500, it will be necessary for India to develop its air safety strategy even more. India will have to equip its radar and air defense networks with the latest technology so that it can combat the capabilities of the advanced AEW & C system. Also, India will have to strengthen its Air Force forces as well as satellites and electronic war capabilities.
