IAF to set up AEW&CS base in Punjab

[Zarvan]

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is setting up a base for operating airborne early warning and control aircraft at the Bhisiana Air Force Station near Bathinda.The base will house indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&CS) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The DRDO’s Bengaluru-based Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS) has developed three such systems that are mounted on the Brazilian Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft. Two of the aircraft would be based at Bhisiana while the third will remain positioned at the CABS for research and development, sources said.

Bhiasana will become the second IAF base to operate early warning aircraft after Agra, which is a home to the A-50 AWACS, which are Israeli Phalcon systems integrated with a modified Russian IL-76 heavy-lift aircraft. The IAF operates three A-50s and another two are expected next year.
Technical support and maintenance facilities are being set up at Bhisiana to cater to AEW&CS operations, for which appropriate sites are being identified. The CABS was headed by the recently appointed Director General, DRDO, Dr S Christopher. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha had commanded the Bhisiana airbase as a Group Captain in the early 2000s.

AWACS are force multipliers and can cover a huge swath of airspace, look deep into the enemy territory, detect enemy aircraft and missiles right from the launch phase and intercept communications. Their flying altitude gives them an advantage over ground-based radar and they can provide a real time battlefield picture to commanders for decision making and counter air operations.
DRDO’s Embraer-mounted systems have limited range and capability vis-à-vis the A-50 or similar systems elsewhere. Earlier this year, the Defence Acquisition Council cleared a proposal for the purchase of two French Airbus A-330 aircraft that will be integrated with an advanced early warning and control system to be developed by the DRDO.

Pakistan has four Swedish Saab 2000 Erieye aircraft for early warning, which are similar to DRDO’s systems while China is reported to have at least 12 AWACS based upon the IL-76 and indigenous tactical aircraft, with more on order.


Asian Defence News: IAF to set up AEW&CS base in Punjab

 

[Gufi]

Pakistan has four Swedish Saab 2000 Erieye aircraft for early warning

The four Karakorum Eagle AEW&C aircraft join the surviving three Saab Erieye AEW&C

 

[Viper0011.]

Bhiasana will become the second IAF base to operate early warning aircraft after Agra, which is a home to the A-50 AWACS, which are Israeli Phalcon systems integrated with a modified Russian IL-76 heavy-lift aircraft. The IAF operates three A-50s and another two are expected next year.
Asian Defence News: IAF to set up AEW&CS base in Punjab

Pakistan has a three base setup for its AWACS. One for the Swedish systems and the other two for the K-Eagle systems. Combine, there are 6 AEW-C planes in Pakistan's arsenal right now.

 

[Zarvan]

Pakistan has a three base setup for its AWACS. One for the Swedish systems and the other two for the K-Eagle systems. Combine, there are 6 AEW-C planes in Pakistan's arsenal right now.

7 Sir they should have been 8 but one got destroyed 4 K-8 and 3 SAAB

 

[Hurshid Celebi]

Pakistan has a three base setup for its AWACS. One for the Swedish systems and the other two for the K-Eagle systems. Combine, there are 6 AEW-C planes in Pakistan's arsenal right now.

OUR SENTRYs belong to you. Like our blood if you Need

 

[Viper0011.]

7 Sir they should have been 8 but one got destroyed 4 K-8 and 3 SAAB

The 7th one still hasn't started working!!! There was ONE that was totally destroyed. The other one was seriously damaged (airframe primarily) and since Pakistan didn't have extended accidental warranty, the Swedes weren't interested in repairing / replacing the aircraft.

They did inspect the Radar part and said they could make it operational on the last Saab plane left as a backup / for training. Not sure if the work has already been completed on the training aircraft to be converted over to a full time AEW unit.

 

[Zarvan]

The 7th one still hasn't started working!!! There was ONE that was totally destroyed. The other one was seriously damaged (airframe primarily) and since Pakistan didn't have extended accidental warranty, the Swedes weren't interested in repairing / replacing the aircraft.

They did inspect the Radar part and said they could make it operational on the last Saab plane left as a backup / for training. Not sure if the work has already been completed on the training aircraft to be converted over to a full time AEW unit.

Sorry Sir 7 are fully operational only one was completely destroyed by Taliban. There are some reports which suggest even destroyed one got replaced but not confirmed.

 

[silent poison]

WoW its my State

Anyway the Precense of AEW&CS in Punjab with Su-30MKI @ AFS Halwara would be a nice combo to attack and defend against any aggression .

 

[Foxtrot-Bravo]

Sorry Sir 7 are fully operational only one was completely destroyed by Taliban. There are some reports which suggest even destroyed one got replaced but not confirmed.

1 got destroyed in PNS Mehran attack while others are fully operational and working. Half of them at Samungly air Base and half at Base Minhas and Noor Khan.

 

[Juggernautjatt]

Any news of Bhisiana AFB reminds me of childhood memories of this station like watching MIG-21s closely every evening & chance of sitting in cockpit of AN-32 with my uncle.