On the evening of May 8, 2025, India demonstrated its military prowess and resolve by successfully thwarting an unprovoked assault by the Pakistani military targeting key installations in Jammu, Pathankot, Udhampur, and several other sites along the border. The audacious attempt, involving fighter jets, drones, and missiles, was met with a robust and calculated response from New Delhi, culminating in the destruction of Pakistan’s critical Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, alongside three fighter jets and multiple drones and missiles. This significant military engagement not only neutralised immediate threats but also dealt a substantial blow to Pakistan’s aerial surveillance and battlefield coordination capabilities, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing India-Pakistan aerial theater.
A Night of High Stakes
The Pakistani offensive began with a coordinated attack involving drones and missiles aimed at India’s border states of Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. According to media reports, the assault was countered by India’s advanced air defence systems, which neutralised all incoming drones and eight missiles launched by Pakistan. No casualties were reported, as confirmed by a statement from the Indian Army, underscoring the effectiveness of India’s defensive measures. However, the most significant outcome of the engagement was the downing of Pakistan’s AWACS aircraft inside its Punjab province, alongside two Chinese-manufactured JF-17 fighter jets and one American F-16. This decisive action not only repelled the immediate threat but also crippled Pakistan’s ability to conduct effective aerial surveillance and coordination, a loss with far-reaching strategic implications.
The engagement unfolded against the backdrop of heightened tensions following Pakistan’s sponsorship of the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, and India’s subsequent “Operation Sindoor” launched on May 7. The Indian military’s response was characterised by precision and assertiveness, reflecting a broader strategy to preemptively neutralise Pakistan’s command and control assets. As sirens and explosions echoed in border regions such as Akhnoor, Samba, Baramulla, and Kupwara, India’s defence ministry issued a resolute statement, affirming the nation’s readiness to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people.
Understanding AWACS
To fully appreciate the significance of Pakistan’s loss, it is essential to understand the role and capabilities of AWACS platforms. An Airborne Warning and Control System is a sophisticated airborne radar and command center, typically mounted on a modified large aircraft, such as passenger planes retrofitted with advanced electronics and radar systems. AWACS serve as the nerve center of aerial warfare, functioning as high-tech command posts that provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and coordination for air and ground forces.
Equipped with a large radar dome, often referred to as a “radome” or “rotodome,” AWACS aircraft offer 360-degree radar coverage, capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying airborne and surface targets over vast distances. Unlike ground-based radars, which are limited by the Earth’s curvature, AWACS operate at high altitudes, providing an unobstructed view of the battlefield. Their primary functions include long-range radar surveillance, air defence command and control, early threat detection, and battlefield management. By coordinating fighter jets, guiding ground-based air defence systems, and relaying secure communications, AWACS act as force multipliers, significantly enhancing the combat effectiveness of air forces.
The radar systems onboard AWACS, such as the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar on Pakistan’s Saab 2000 Erieye or the EL/W-2090 radar on India’s PHALCON AWACS, operate in the L-band or S-band, enabling long-range detection of low-flying aircraft, high-altitude targets, and maritime activities. For instance, the American E-3 Sentry AWACS, with its 30-foot radar dish, can detect low-flying aircraft up to 370 kilometers away and monitor maritime targets regardless of terrain or weather conditions. Onboard computers process this data, allowing commanders to assess threats and make rapid tactical decisions.
AWACS aircraft are equipped with multiple operator workstations, secure data links (such as Pakistan’s Link-17 or India’s Link II), and electronic countermeasures (ECM), including radar warning receivers, chaff/flare dispensers, and jammers to evade missile threats. These features make AWACS indispensable for modern warfare, enabling early warning of hostile aircraft, missiles, and drones, as well as real-time coordination of allied forces.
Pakistan’s AWACS Fleet
Pakistan’s AWACS capabilities are primarily centered around its fleet of Saab 2000 Erieye aircraft, acquired from Sweden between 2006 and 2020. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) currently operates five such aircraft, following the delivery of the final unit on July 2, 2024. The Saab 2000 Erieye is equipped with an AESA radar, providing 270-degree coverage and the ability to detect a wide range of targets, from fighter jets and cruise missiles to small objects like jet skis. With a surveillance range exceeding 3,705 kilometers and an endurance of over nine hours, the Erieye is a versatile and powerful platform, capable of monitoring vast areas of land and sea.
In addition to the Erieye fleet, Pakistan previously operated four Chinese ZDK-03 Shaanxi aircraft as AWACS. However, in 2024, these aircraft were repurposed for electronic warfare and countermeasure roles due to compatibility issues with their radar and AEW&C systems. Pakistan also employs three Dassault Falcon DA-20 and one Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft for electronic warfare, but these are not full-fledged AWACS platforms. The loss of one Saab 2000 Erieye—though unconfirmed as the specific aircraft downed—would represent a significant reduction in Pakistan’s already limited AWACS inventory, severely hampering its aerial surveillance capabilities.
Strategic Impact of the Loss
The destruction of Pakistan’s AWACS is not merely a symbolic victory for India but a profound strategic setback for the PAF. AWACS are among the most critical assets in any air force’s arsenal, serving as the backbone of aerial situational awareness and battlefield coordination. The loss of such a platform leaves Pakistan “blind in the sky,” impairing its ability to detect incoming threats, coordinate fighter jets, and manage dynamic battlefield conditions. This is particularly detrimental given Pakistan’s economic struggles, which have left the country reliant on IMF support and foreign aid. The financial burden of replacing a sophisticated system like the Saab 2000 Erieye, coupled with the loss of operational capability, exacerbates Pakistan’s challenges at a time of heightened regional tensions.
The downing of the AWACS, alongside three fighter jets, underscores India’s growing assertiveness in the aerial domain. By targeting Pakistan’s command and control infrastructure, India has demonstrated a proactive strategy aimed at neutralising high-value assets before they can orchestrate further aggression. This engagement also highlights the escalation of the India-Pakistan conflict, with India’s response signalling a zero-tolerance policy toward provocations.
India’s AWACS Capabilities: A Robust Counterforce
In contrast to Pakistan’s limited AWACS fleet, the Indian Air Force (IAF) operates a more robust and diverse array of AWACS platforms. The IAF currently fields six AWACS aircraft, including three Beriev A-50 planes, based on the Russian Illyushin-76 transport aircraft, equipped with Israeli EL/W-2090 Phalcon radar systems. These provide 360-degree coverage over a range exceeding 400 kilometers, making them among the most advanced AWACS in the region. Additionally, India operates three Embraer EMB-145 aircraft, converted into AWACS by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) using the indigenously developed NETRA system.
India’s AWACS capabilities are set to expand further, with plans for six NETRA Mk 1A systems based on Embraer jets and six NETRA Mk 2 systems based on Airbus A321 aircraft. These developments reflect India’s commitment to maintaining a technological edge in aerial surveillance and battlefield management, ensuring its ability to counter threats effectively.
Turning Point in the Aerial Theater
The events of May 8, 2025, represent a critical turning point in the India-Pakistan aerial theater. India’s successful defence against Pakistan’s unprovoked assault, coupled with the destruction of a key AWACS aircraft and multiple fighter jets, has significantly weakened Pakistan’s aerial capabilities while reinforcing India’s strategic dominance. The loss of the AWACS, a linchpin of modern aerial warfare, shows the high stakes of the ongoing conflict and the profound consequences of Pakistan’s miscalculations. As India continues to bolster its AWACS fleet and maintain vigilant aerial defences, it sends a clear message of resolve and readiness to safeguard its sovereignty against any aggression. This engagement not only reshapes the regional balance of power but also serves as a testament to India’s growing military prowess in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
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