A recent report reveals that the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) newest JF-17 Block III fighter jet, despite significant upgrades, faces a key operational constraint: its onboard radar has a shorter range than expected, limiting its ability to fully utilize advanced long-range missiles.
This information comes from Air Forces Monthly (AFM), a respected military aviation publication produced by Key Publishing Ltd in the UK.
The JF-17 Block III, the latest version of the fighter jointly developed by Pakistan and China, incorporates numerous improvements over older models. These include enhanced electronic warfare systems, updated avionics, and, crucially, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar.
The AESA radar, thought to be the Chinese KLJ-7A model, was intended to give the jet a significant edge in tracking multiple targets, resisting jamming, and providing a clearer picture of the airspace. This upgrade was designed to place the JF-17 Block III firmly in the category of a modern 4.5-generation fighter.
However, AFM's analysis indicates that the radar's detection range is insufficient for independent use of Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles (BVRAAMs) like the Chinese PL-15 (with a reported range over 150 km) and the even longer-range PL-17 (potentially reaching up to 300 km).
While these missiles are designed to strike targets far beyond the pilot's visual range, the JF-17 Block III's radar cannot detect targets at the distances necessary to take full advantage of these missiles' capabilities without outside help. This could put the aircraft at a disadvantage in long-range engagements, especially against India with more advanced aircraft and weaponry.
To overcome this limitation, the Pakistan Air Force plans to utilize its Saab 2000 Erieye Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The Erieye, a Swedish-made system, has a powerful AESA radar with a significantly longer detection range of up to 450 km, allowing it to track numerous targets across a wide area.
By connecting the JF-17 Block III to the Erieye via a data link (a secure communication system), the AWACS can feed target information to the fighter. This effectively extends the JF-17's operational reach, enabling it to engage targets well beyond its own radar's capacity.
This approach, where aircraft share information to create a unified picture of the battlefield, is a core concept in modern air combat. The Saab 2000 Erieye can guide JF-17 pilots towards enemy aircraft, allowing them to launch PL-15 or PL-17 missiles even when the targets are too far for the fighter's radar to detect independently.
However, this dependence creates a potential vulnerability. The AWACS aircraft themselves become crucial targets for enemy forces seeking to disrupt the PAF's command and control.
Furthermore, this reliance on network-centric warfare presents challenges in environments where electronic warfare is prevalent. Sophisticated adversaries could attempt to jam the data links, breaking the connection between the AWACS and the fighter jets.
The PAF also operates a limited number of AWACS platforms – reportedly seven Saab 2000 Erieyes and a smaller number of Chinese ZDK-03 Karakorum Eagle aircraft – which may restrict their availability across all areas of operation, particularly during large-scale conflicts.
This is of note due to the modernization efforts of regional neighbors, such as the Indian Airforce. The IAF currently operates fighters with advanced radars capable of employing missiles such as the Meteor and R-77.
The limitation of radar range is made apparent when compared to the modernisation of other Air Forces in the region. India, for example, use aircrafts such as the Rafale and Su-30MKI that are equiped with AESA radars.
