Aircraft

Pakistan's first of five Saab 2000-based airborne early warning and control system aircraft was rolled out at the Swedish manufacturer's Linköping facility late last month.

Equipped with a Saab Microwave Systems Erieye surveillance radar, mission system and electronic warfare equipment, the Saab Aerotech-modified aircraft will offer an unrefuelled endurance of over nine hours. "This is a vital item of equipment to maintain peace," Pakistan air force chief of staff Air Chief Marshal Tanvir Mahmood Ahmed said during a 27 March ceremony.

Both images © Saab

Pakistan in mid-2006 became the first customer to select a Saab 2000-based Erieye surveillance system, with deliveries expected from next year under a deal worth around SKr7 billion ($1.2 billion). Erieye-equipped Saab 340s are already in use by Brazil, Greece, Mexico and Sweden, with one of the type also recently ordered by Thailand.