China is reportedly in talks with Pakistan to supply KJ-500 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, as confirmed by multiple reports, including a statement from the Government of Pakistan on June 6, 2025. These negotiations are part of a broader defense package that also includes 40 J-35A fifth-generation stealth fighter jets and HQ-19 long-range air defense systems. The KJ-500 is a third-generation AEW&C platform developed by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation, based on the Y-9 airframe, equipped with a fixed Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar providing 360-degree coverage for detecting and tracking aerial and maritime threats.

The exact number of KJ-500 aircraft offered to Pakistan has not been disclosed in the available sources. Reports indicate an “undisclosed number” of KJ-500s as part of the defense package, suggesting that negotiations are ongoing and specific quantities are yet to be finalized. This lack of clarity is typical in early-stage defense deals, where numbers may depend on budgetary constraints, strategic priorities, and operational requirements of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

The potential induction of KJ-500 AEW&C aircraft into the PAF would have significant strategic and operational implications for India, particularly given the ongoing rivalry and history of conflict between the two nations. Albeit, Chinese systems have so far not boded well for Pakistan.

As per claims, KJ-500’s AESA radar can track 60 to 100 targets within a 470-kilometer radius, including low-flying aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones. If true, this would allow Pakistan to monitor Indian airspace from deep within its own territory, detecting Indian Air Force (IAF) assets like fighter jets, UAVs, and missiles well before they approach the border. China also claims that KJ-500 acts as an airborne command center, coordinating fighter jets and air defense systems in real time. Its ability to guide assets like the J-10C or proposed J-35A stealth fighters enhances Pakistan’s ability to execute complex air operations.

Reports suggest Pakistan lost two Saab Erieye-2000 AEW&C aircraft during a recent four-day conflict with India in 2025, one to an Indian S-400 system and another to a missile strike on Bholari Air Base. The KJ-500 would replenish and upgrade Pakistan’s AEW&C fleet, providing a technological edge over the older ZDK-03 (export version of KJ-500) already in PAF service.

The KJ-500 relies on Soviet-era propulsion and airframes, which could limit its force multiplier role.

Unless the radar system developer, CETC, has resolved reliability issues that plagued the ZDK-03, the KJ-500 may face similar operational shortcomings. China’s ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft were flown by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).  However, the PAF had to retire its entire fleet of ZDK-03s after a relatively short service life of 7-8 years, citing operational limitations and maintenance issues. 

India operates a fleet of AEW&C platforms, including three IL-76-based Phalcon AWACS and two Embraer ERJ-145-based Netra systems. The KJ-500’s advanced radar and longer endurance (up to 12 hours with a 5,700-km range, extendable with aerial refueling) may outmatch India’s current capabilities in terms of coverage and persistence. .

The KJ-500 deal reflects a deepening military partnership between China and Pakistan, extending beyond hardware to real-time operational interoperability. China’s provision of satellite imagery and intelligence during the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict suggests a broader role in supporting Pakistan’s military strategy and ergo terrorism inside India.