China Expands Its Aerial Surveillance Fleet As KJ-3000 Production Advances, Raising Concerns Over India's AEW&C Capabilities

China’s KJ-3000 airborne early warning aircraft may be moving towards serial production, with satellite images showing four aircraft at the Xi’an-Yanliang aviation complex. The development could strengthen Beijing’s surveillance capabilities and widen its numerical advantage over India. China reportedly operates more than 70 AEW&C aircraft, while the Indian Air Force has six Phalcon and NETRA MK-I platforms. India is developing the larger NETRA MK-II system using converted Airbus A321 aircraft and plans to expand its fleet. Accelerating these programmes will be crucial for improving India’s airborne surveillance and command-and-control capabilities.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from TOI.