PAF inducts second Saab-2009 surveillance aircraft in its fleet

Strengthening its capability, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has inducted the sophisticated surveillance aircraft


, Saab-2009 in its fleet.



This is the second of four such Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) 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, The News reports.



It may be noted that Pakistan had inked an 866 million dollar deal with Sweden for the supply of four Saab-2009 aircrafts.



The aircraft is fitted with the latest technology to detect aircraft flying at high and medium altitudes. With a 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.



As compared to Pakistan’s airborne early warning system, 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.