Pakistan Air Force (PAF), on 26th February, inducted Chinese built AWACS platform, known as Karakoram Eagle (KE-03) in its No. 4 Squadron. The plane is know as ZDK-03. This plane is based on Y-8 Category III (6 blade engine propellers) plane carrying a traditional rotodome above its fuselage which is believed to carry a Chinese built AESA radar but this is not confirmed. This design does provide a true 360° coverage but is considered less capable than Swedish Erieye AWACS already being operated by PAF which, according to some aviation experts does not has true 360° coverage due to its specific "Balanced Beam" design. The radar of KE-03 is the product of the 38th Institute/CETC, but no details are classified. For self defense role, the plane is equipped with Missile Approaching Warning System (MAWS) sensors.
The aircraft is equipped with a sophisticated integrated sensors and communications suite. It is capable of maintaining a link with ground command and control centres to provide pilots with a comprehensive air picture.
The induction of AWACS is significant development as it indicates towards Pakistan's defense modernization drive in air-sea battles. This assertion is further endorsed by the fact that these inductions have been made in No. 4 Squadron of PAF which historically has been assigned 'Search and Rescue (SAR) and 'Maritime Reconnaissance' (MR) missions. Apart from that, it is known that these planes would be able to communicate with JF-17 Thunders only due to their Chinese architecture. Right now, there is no direct secure data linking between KE-03 and western fighters like F-16s is available. It is noteworthy here that JF-17 includes weapons like CM-400 hyper-sonic anti-ship missile and C-802AK anti-ship cruise missile in its arsenal; clearly indicating that the plane would be deployed in anti-ship and maritime roles as well. This weapon development is part of integrated plan to enable the JF-17 Thunders to provide assistance to Pakistan Navy and Army at the same time in complex environment. Such capabilities are also required to deter the threats perceived by arch rival India's drive to develop "maneuver through sea" capabilities. Indian Navy has been building this capability which manifests in growing number of amphibious warfare platforms including Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) and Landing Craft Utility (LCU) ships.
Pakistani Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif was the chief guest of the indication ceremony. He inspected one of the plane. He praised the role of PAF and its professionalism and heroism throughout national history.
Addressing the Induction ceremony, he said Pakistan is peace loving country but made it clear that the country is determined to safeguard its national interests and uphold its sovereignty against any aggression. Prime Minister applaud the role played by PAF during ongoing operations against terrorists in Northern parts of the country.
Speaking at the occasion, PAF chief ACM Tahir Rafique Butt termed the induction of KE-03 a "revolutionary step" which will enable PAF to effectively counter all threat against Pakistan's aerial frontiers.
