The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) achieved a major landmark in its Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) Programme with the roll out of its first aircraft - SAAB 2000 AEWC - in a ceremony held at the Saab facility in Sweden, officials said. PAF chief Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed was the Chief Guest on the occasion. On arrival the Air Chief was received by Ake Svensson, CEO of Saab. The rolling out of the aircraft would pave way for the installation of survillance and airborne warning gadgetry and equipment. This work would soon be completed for its onward induction in PAF s fleet. Speaking on the occasion Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed said the acquisition of airborne early warning capability by the PAF would greatly enhance PAF s defensive capability and was an essential part of its modernization efforts. He said the achievement of AEW & C capability will provide a much needed boost to Pakistan s security needs. The ceremony is considered an important milestone which ensures timely procurement of state-of-the-art technology of ERIEYE radar onboard Saab 2000 aircraft to PAF.
