flyinghawkwings
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ZDK-03 has not existed since 2005, there was a prototype of a dish mounted AEW&C, which came to Pakistan also. It was tested, PAF did not liked it entirely, but still jumped into the bandwagon with the pretext to have improvements in the system based on its requirements and some level of ToT, so that it can tone the system as it likes, fulfilling its operational needs.
And now as for price, is anyone sure that 278M was the final price for the deal ?? It may be the initial price, with more funds being allocated later on, or again seller credit would have been very much on the table. Its a very well known fact, that Pakistani defence deals are not very clear, except for the large ones. Similarly, the 278m can be the initial figure, with more funds given.
So logically it can be an AESA, but factually for now its not yet clear which system in reality it is, but hopefully would be confirmed in a few days time.
An AESA radar in a rotodome configuration can work perfectly and has many advantages also, an AESA does not needs to be fixed.
Right, a prototype existed since 2005. That prototype did not use the KJ2000 aesa dish, did it? ZDK03 derived from that original prototype based on improvements the Pakistanis wanted, but it doesn't mean they suddenly microsized the KJ2000 system onto the Y8! Reality doesn't work this way!
And it's interesting that while you accept the AESA speculation from the article, you suddenly question the 70M price tag! I think most of your "thoughts" are wishful thinking, and not reality based!