Pakistan shows interest in China's new airborne radar for its JF-17 fighter jets

Pakistan has evinced interest to acquire the first two-dimensional airborne radar developed by a Chinese firm to use them for its JF-17 fighter jets being jointly built with China.

Chinese military analyst Du Kaiyuan said the new air cooled active phased array fire control radar system can spot third-generation jet fighters from at least 200 kms and intercept them with medium range air-to-air missiles.

Pakistan is interested in using it for its JF-17 Block3 fighter jets, which could open the door to other countries, Kaiyuan was quoted as saying by the state run Global Times.

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Song Zhongping, a who used to serve in the PLA Rocket Force, however, told the daily that China’s radars are mainly meant for domestic use, and that the new radar system is unlikely to be used in countries without Chinese-made jet fighters.

The air cooling system of the new radars can reduce the weight burden on the jets, making them fly faster, the report said.

The change cycle has also been reduced, which could greatly improve the jets’ combat capability. The system could enhance China’s national defence capabilities, lead to further progress in developing scientific research hardware and increase the international competitiveness of China’s airborne radar system, it said.

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