Indian Masterminds website reported on November 24 that Pakistan has deployed the long-range air-to-air missile "AAM-17" with a range of 400 kilometers on the J-10C fighter jet, and the Indian side claims it is a "serious threat to India's aerial forces." The report believes that China's AAM-17 missile enables Pakistan to have the capability to strike high-value military assets such as early warning aircraft (AWACS) deep within Indian airspace, including India's "Netra" and "Phalcon" early warning aircraft, Il-78 refueling aircraft, and maritime patrol aircraft. These platforms are responsible for radar warning, air situation command, and battlefield coordination, serving as the core of India's aerial combat system. Previously, Pakistan was equipped with the AAM-15E missile with a range of approximately 200 kilometers, while the new missile doubles the range, significantly expanding the strike range. Analysts point out that with Pakistan's deployment of the new air-to-air missile, India will have to withdraw its early warning aircraft and refueling aircraft to a safe distance, which could weaken India's front-line radar coverage and shorten response time, directly affecting air superiority operations. Industry insiders said that India urgently needs to develop long-range air-to-air missiles, enhance electronic countermeasure capabilities, deploy aircraft with strong beyond-visual-range air combat capabilities for escort, and strengthen the ground radar network.
Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1849815755996172/
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