I think what he meant was that can these AWACS provide active guidance to BVR missiles of other PAF aircrafts such as JF17 or F16?
For example JF17 locks on enemy jets and fires BVRs, and once fired turns radar off or flees away with awacs guiding the missiles to target. In another case can the fighter jets keep their radars off and fire missiles just based on data provided to them by other ground based and airborne assets? I hope these questions were not too sensitive or specific for PAF capabilities ( if they are please ignore the questions).
The USSR had gamed using its Moss AEW systems with datalinks to a theoretical missile to be used for the Tu-128. A lot of issues were encountered including the handoff of the weapon from the Tu-128 to the AEW system.
Once the instructions were sent, the AEW controller would transmit instructions to the Tu-128 intercept computer which would automatically fly the aircraft to the required intercept launch zone and provide authorization to launch weapons at target.
That being said, those were days of vacuum tubes and today everything is miniaturized solid state digital systems.
So now, think of a PL-15 with a two way datalink and the ZDK needing the ability to use beam sharpening to lock onto a target at 200miles out - then a weapons commander using a trackball to select a target and then the system automatically suggests a shooter based upon datalink parameters knowing an airborne JF-17’s fuel state, weapons status and distance; after which the said aircraft gets an encoded text message with intercept instructions.
For e.g the following fictional scenario could occur.
PAF AD Network detects targets - relays to command - gets authorization and the airborne commander on a ZDK gets permission to engage.
The Commander sends the following encrypted message to a JF.
THUNDER 1 - INT TSK -2 TRGT BLSEYE 033 FOR FL015 - INIT HDG 060 HNDOF LNCH - EXEC
the pilot of the aircraft flies to the point required with emissions off and possibly with additional instructions sent via AWACS to ensure minimum exposure to enemy detection systems.
Once within the launch parameters of the PL-15... lets say 100km; the ZDK starts painting the target and locks on - the JF-17 still undetected as such and green lights the pilot to launch. The datalinks synced, the pilot confirms all green, presses a button and goes defensive.
60 seconds to impact - The PL-15(s) are off the rail and on their way, the enemy is aware it is being painted and starts defending as the missile is guided - the Jf-17 meanwhile gets new instructions to reposition itself for either a second launch or to paint the target and guide the PL-15 if needed since now it is close enough to catch the target via its onboard radar.
The enemy aircraft is jamming now and the lock from the ZDk breaks but a cue is now sent to the JF - 25 seconds to impact- its radar lights up and now suddenly the target is being painted again and the PL-15 gets a refreshed track - 7 seconds to impact- the PL-15 goes pitbull and the JF is beaming and pulling away - the jamming from the target now actually guiding the missile home.
2 seconds to impact - the fuzes are about to engage on the initial warheads - the ZDK has pulled away on its race track and more assets are airborne with other missiles - the target realizes it may have to drink tea.
