Eireye Specifications

[Kaiser]

The PAF is set to recieve up to 7 SAAB 2000 'Erieye' AEW&C aircraft for use to solve current shortages in early warning systems. The deal, which is the biggest transfer of technology arrangement with Sweden involves 16 aircraft (9 for PIA) & 7 radar systems that will facilitate the PAF's ability to monitor & regulate its airspace. Deliveries are expected to commence at around 2007/2008 (Know 2006 cause of Quake) & to be complete by 2009.

However, there could be other implications for the PAF, specifically of what aircraft should be purchased to compliment the type. Current projections show a PAF preference for the F-16C/D Block 52 based on operational experience with the previous F-16A/B & owing to the current friendly atmosphere between Washington & Islamabad. However, this cost and benefit analysis simply ignores the US penchant for sanctioning Pakistan without solid foundation.

Likewise, the PAF's JF-17 (FC-1) project continues to be delayed as development of a Chinese propullsion system is ongoing & the type undergoes a major re-design pending service. It's been acknowledged that the new rehashed JF-17 based on dipictions of prototype 04 will become the standard production model & a much more capable (& perhaps more expensive) aircraft than initially predicted. However, this has only resulted in raising the demand for an advanced fighter to prevent a 'capability overlap' between the relatively lower end JF-17 & advanced front line aircraft.

Whatever the choice, combined with the superlative capabilities of the SAAB/Ericsson Erieye airborne system will produce a conventional capabilities platform greater than that of simply using current finances to purchase more fighters. While the PAF could have been expected to make a purchase the JAS-39C/D 'Gripen' (already intergrated into Sweden's air defence system in conjunction with the SAAB Erieye) the main constraint appears to be Sweden's refusal to sell Pakistan offensive weaponry to a 'waring' state whereas the Swedish government has apparently accepted Pakistan's case as being a 'defensive' platform.

In the meantime, the SAAB Erieye will facilitate Pakistan's ability to detect ariel & ground targets from greater ranges. The SAAB 2000/Erieye has a detection range of 300km against fighter sized targets & low level intruders. This nullifies BVS strike aircraft (such as the Jaguar or MiG-27) previous advantage where low-level penetration remained their best bet & much more difficult for the PAF to detect & respond to. Combined with a BVR weapon (on new fighters) Indian military planners would have to develop new tactics where previous case scenarios offered a much wider chance of success.

In addition, the situational awareness of interceptors could be greatly facilitated. While current GCI (Ground Control Intercept) stations provide coverage they remain dispersed, static, & vulnerable to stand off jamming. Additionally, a further problem remains difficult in co-ordinating between various GCI stations whereas an AEW&C platform provides more flexible arrangements. The main disadvantage however, is its vulnerable to CAP aircraft.

 

[EagleEyes]

Indeed the addition of Erieye will give a good capablity to PAF to deter with any modern air force out there, but currently what PAF really lacks is the fighter aircrafts it self, but as for being a stable modern defensive air force, i think PAF will be able to fullfill it, but i cannot guarantee that it can sustain the huge IAF during the long war if occurs.

If AWACs can extend the detection range of aircrafts in PAF that would be really helpful, however it can still provide a good support, telling PAF aircrafts to go to the point where IAF fighter jet is about to enter, thus giving a lot of time to plan out how they going to deal with it. The communication will really give the PAF a good capability in addition to detection.

The chances of BVR fighting would also improved even with the fact that Indian pilots have better skill and experienced with BVR combat capablity, proved in recent exercises with Singapore, USAF, Russian, and couple others. Even though chances of war in the future are very unlikely PAF will have to train thoughly in BVR engagements.

I just have a question though, is there a capablity in AWACs to provide support in jamming the enemy's aircraft during the fight? Though the platform would be vulnerable in PAF and IAF situation, but it can give a good capability to PAF as well as IAF, if possible.

 

[Kaiser]

By the time the Eiryeye's come(2009-2011) Pakistan would already have a formidable F-16 fleet (77 Block 50-52,40 f-16 MLU) and a fleet of 75-100 JF-17's and maybe even other 4th generation fighter (Hinted by PAF Air Marshall).The Eireye would signifinly boost Pakistan Surveillance and AWAC capabilities.

As stated in the article do not forget that the JF-17 might get advanced Data Linking capabilities to the Eireye (similar to the Gripen.) This will raise the cost of the JF-17 by atleast 1-2 million.As for BVR Pakistan will be getting the SD-10 wich is equal if not better to the AIM-120B, Pakistan may also go for the option of the South African Darters and AIM-120C.

 

[Tariq Iqbal]

The induction of Erieye will surely be something that Pakistan will later proud of.

The Erieye is one of the best cost effective AEW&C out there, it meets up the requirement of detecting and targeting targets of 450km over land and water, in which if Pakistan would have gone for Chinese system it would have lack.

1) Superior resolution accuracy
2) Enhanced detection and tracking performance (including active simultaneous tracking of multiple targets)
3) Improved resistance to electronic countermeasures (ECM)
4) Fully interoperable with and easily integrated into NATO Air Defense Command Systems

Weather its NATO Air Defence Command Systems or Chinese they will be easily be integrated in to Pakistani Air Defence Systems, which are the combination of various European countries, and their own technology.

I would love if Pakistan goes for Gripen, which i have heard what the planning is. The Gripen and Erieye will do a great job to tackle any threat that Pakistan will face. If Gripen is bought Erieye's company future airborne radar will be Active Electronically Scanned Array, with complete electronic warfare systems including jamming and data communication. It is known that Ericsson will also integrate data communication systems with other aircrafts of Pakistan, in a very reasonable price if approved.

Its totaly possible for Pakistan to have a modern air force consisted of F-16s, JF-17s, Gripens, Mirage ROSE I, II, and III in a very reasonable price, and it will give a good edge to Pakistan for testing a modern warfare systems. Though of course Gripen uses many of the American technology, but its one of the truely 4th generations aircrafts out there which every air force should fear of.