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Saab 2000 intelligence aircraft induction in 2009 transformed Pakistan Air Force capabilities.
On 29 December 2009, the Pakistan Air Force established its No. 3 Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron, “Angels,” at PAF Base Minhas, formally integrating airborne command into national air defense.
A decisive shift in Pakistan’s air defense posture took place on 29 December 2009 when the Pakistan Air Force activated its No. 3 Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron at PAF Base Minhas. The milestone, highlighted this week in a historical post by the Directorate General Public Relations on X, marked the point at which airborne surveillance, command, and control became a standing operational pillar rather than a niche capability within the service.
On 29 December 2009, the Pakistan Air Force marked a turning point in its air defense doctrine by raising No. 3 Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron “Angels” at PAF Base Minhas, formally integrating airborne command and battle management into frontline operations (Picture Source: @DGPR_PAF on X)
The squadron’s establishment coincided with the induction of the Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft, a twin-turboprop platform selected for its high dash speed, long endurance, and ability to operate from relatively short runways. Powered by two Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engines, the aircraft cruises at speeds exceeding 650 km/h and can remain on station for more than seven hours depending on mission profile, a key factor in sustaining persistent airborne surveillance over critical sectors.
At the heart of the platform lies the Erieye active phased array radar mounted in a dorsal fairing above the fuselage. Operating in the S-band, the radar provides 300-degree coverage with detection ranges commonly assessed in excess of 450 km against high-altitude targets, while retaining strong performance against low-flying aircraft and cruise missiles. Unlike mechanically scanned systems, Erieye’s electronic beam steering allows it to track hundreds of targets simultaneously, refresh the air picture rapidly, and maintain performance even in dense electronic environments.
Complementing the radar is an integrated Thales identification friend or foe system capable of interrogating multiple modes, significantly reducing the risk of fratricide and misidentification during high-tempo operations. The onboard command and control suite fuses radar, IFF, and electronic support data into a single recognised air picture displayed across multiple operator consoles. This architecture allows AEW&C controllers to conduct fighter intercept control, manage beyond-visual-range engagements, and coordinate air defence assets with a level of precision previously unattainable from ground nodes alone.
Electronic warfare support measures form another critical layer of the aircraft’s mission system. These sensors detect, classify, and geo-locate hostile radar and communication emitters, providing early warning of adversary activity and contributing to situational awareness well beyond pure air surveillance. Combined with secure data links, the AEW&C platform acts as a communications relay and information hub, extending the reach of command authorities and enabling distributed operations across the battlespace.
Senior PAF officers involved in the squadron’s early operationalization emphasize that the Angels were designed from inception to function as airborne battle managers rather than passive sensors. Integration with the Air Defence Ground Environment enables continuous sharing of track data, engagement orders, and threat assessments, ensuring that decision-makers at tactical and operational levels act on the same real-time picture. This networked construct has markedly shortened sensor-to-shooter timelines and improved coordination between fighters, surface-to-air missile units, and command centers.
Today, fifteen years after its formation, No. 3 AEW&C Squadron remains a cornerstone of Pakistan Air Force operations and a decisive force multiplier in safeguarding national airspace. Its technical sophistication and operational maturity underscore a broader strategic shift toward information-centric warfare, confirming airborne early warning and control as an indispensable pillar of modern air power and a defining element of PAF’s defensive credibility.