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Tuesday 29 December 2009

Saab-2000 plane incorporated in PAF fleet


Strengthening its capability, the Pakistan Air Force  has inducted the sophisticated surveillance aircraft, Saab-2009 in its fleet.
This is the second of four such Airborne Warning and Control System  aircrafts to be included in the PAF's fleet. The first one was inducted earlier this month.
Pakistan is the second country in the region after India to have inducted the state-of-art surveillance aircraft in its air force.
Speaking during a ceremony at the Kamra airbase, Chief of Air Staff Rao Qamar Suleman said the Saab-2009 would enhance PAF's capability to a great extent,
It may be noted that Pakistan had inked an 866 million dollar deal with Sweden for the supply of four Saab-2009 aircrafts.
Sweden, Pakistan on Tuesday became the second country in the region after India to have inducted the sophisticated surveillance aircraft in its air force.

The aircraft is fitted with the latest technology to detect aircraft flying at high and medium altitudes. With state-of-the-art system, it is also capable of detecting objects flying at lower levels over land and sea at extended ranges. The system is also capable of detecting surface targets over sea.

The Erieye system provides 300 degree coverage and has an effective detection range of only 300 km to 350 km. It uses a pulse Doppler radar with a fixed, wedge-shaped antenna.

“By virtue of these features, Pakistan Air Force would be able to boost its operational capability manifold by achieving requisite early warning for efficient and meaningful air defence of its airspace,” an official statement said.

As compared to Pakistan’sAirborne Warning and Control System  aircrafts , the Indian Phalcon system provides tactical surveillance of airborne and surface targets and helps gather signal intelligence. It is also capable of tracking fighter planes, missiles and ground forces from a distance of 400 kilometres and in all weather conditions.

Qamar said four-aircraft deal for Saab-2000 worth $866 million have been signed.