Gentlemen - I will just say one simple liner.
I am referring to Shaanxi ZDK-03 it for sure will take time to fit in the list of established AWACs platforms
E-3 Sentry,
IAI Phalcon
E-2D Hawkeye,
SAAB Erieye
Boeing 737 Wedgetail,
Briev A-50,
We used/use Russian equipment and have massive serviceability issues for P 15/19/ST-68 Umbrela
Chinese have ventured in Radar Tech in 1990 to be specific they have moved in AWACS Domain, Yes have produced L band radars.Shaanxi ZDK-03 is an advanced platform which has summation of Moving Target Indicator (MTI) and Pulse Doppler (PD) Radars.
Chinese have used a Lot of tech from Russian A50 Berievs. In defence spheres, we say Yes China is Growing in EW n C but will take time to match established players.
But the question is have they reached a stage where we feel threatened, needs to be proven.
Being unbiased in commenting, Russian which is much ahead of Chinese in Radar Tech gave so many many head aches across the globe to militaries us for sure, have seen PCBs fusing off, Radars Cluttered due to EMFs....
Honestly speaking cant agree on Chinese Radars to be ever serviceable 100% , when Russian keep on Cluttering/Blanking out. Repair equipment not being available.....
Gentlemen the way AEM chaps take care of Birds similarly Radars need massive servicing. I am not going to raise the range issue to create un-needed gas on the subject who is better or not..
When border is 20km away an airborne platform with 100-150km range is more than enough to give complete picture of the BFS. AeroStat Balloons do same job magnificently....
Phalcons even though inducted, we still are learning how to keep them polished. 3 systems have been inducted at any given time all 3 are not ready for deployment.Each sortie of 3-4 hours is backed by 8-10 hours of maintenacance. FYI AESA Radars need havey maintenance for a layman they are Mustang of Air consuming massive manhours and power to run.
Bottom-line go to nation who is working in field of Radar Tech for decades rather than just 15-20 years or so... FYI KJ200 made its maiden sortie in 2001 when USA embargoed IAI Phalcon sale to Chinese in late 90s. Given an option, wouldnt you like to move to Sentry, if offered.
If am on SEAD will feel much more threatened by SAAB than ZDK. Dont want my lifelines RT or MTI being cluttered by your Tracker....
(Mastan saab I am Big Fan of yours.)