| This is a draft article. It is a work in progress open to editing by anyone. Please ensure core content policies are met before publishing it as a live Wikipedia article. Find sources: Google (books · news · scholar · free images · WP refs) · FENS · JSTOR · TWL Last edited by Fnlayson (talk | contribs) 3 months ago. (Update)
Finished drafting? |
The Saab 2000 AEW&C is a Swedish airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft manufactured by Saab AB. A variant of the Saab 2000 aircraft, Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft belonging to Pakistan Air Force were used during the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict. Following a BrahMos missile strike on PAF Base Bholari the Indian Air Force claimed to have destroyed the Saab 2000 AEW&C.1 This claim has been denied by Pakistani officials.
In company with cutting-edge equipment, the PAF also goes through Chinese makeover, which sends J-35A stealth fighters, Shaanxi KJ-500 AEW&C and, HQ-19 air defense systems.2
Compared to the traditional circular radar on AWACS planes, such as the E-3 Sentry, the Saab 2000 has a non-movable PS-890 AESA radar made with the Erieye system. It offers lower drag, but has a dead zone directly behind and in front of the plane, with a 120 degree zone of scan on either side of the airframe. The mounted radar is capable of tracking ships, planes and missiles up to 190–250 mi (300–400 km), while at an altitude of 20,000 ft (6,100 m).
Operators
- 9 Saab 2000s owned by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
- 2 Saab 2000s owned by the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) (replaced by the SAAB GlobalEye).
Specifications
Data from Airforce-technology.com3
General characteristics
- Crew: 7
- Length: 27.28 m (89 ft 6 in)
- Wingspan: 24.76 m (81 ft 2.8 in)
- Max takeoff weight: 23,000 kg (50,706 lb)
Performance
- Cruise speed: 630 km/h (391 mph, 340 kn)
- Service ceiling: 9,144 m (30,000 ft)
References
References
- "Pakistan's Saab 2000 Erieye "Shot Down"! Why Loss Of AEW&C Aircraft Is A Big Setback To PAF Than IAF's Rafale? OPED". EurAsian Times. 13 August 2025. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- Tiwari, Sakshi (9 June 2025). "After "Losing" 2 Saab Erieye-2000 AEW&CS During India-Pakistan Clash, PAF Set To Acquire Chinese KJ-500". EURASIAN TIMES. Retrieved 6 March 2026.
- "Saab 2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 6 March 2026.