Pakistan To Acquire China's Shaanxi KJ-500 To Replace AWACS Shot Down During Operation Sindoor

New Delhi: Even nearly a year after Operation Sindoor, Pakistan is still struggling to recover from the damage inflicted upon it by India. Pakistan is now set to acquire China's Shaanxi KJ-500 aircraft, an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS). India had shot down Pakistan's AWACS aircraft during Operation Sindoor.

This was a major blow to Pakistan, as an AWACS aircraft is considered a critical strategic asset and a force multiplier. An AWACS aircraft essentially functions as a flying radar and surveillance system; it tracks enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones. This capability facilitates the timely activation of interceptors and air defense missile batteries. The KJ-500 is a modern airborne early warning aircraft designed to detect and track aerial threats over long distances.

China is supplying this aircraft to Pakistan as part of a major defense package, which also includes the J-35A stealth fighter and the HQ-19 air defense system. This deal encompasses advanced stealth technology, sensor fusion, and the integration of HQ-19 systems to develop network-centric combat capabilities. According to Pakistani media, formal discussions between Chinese and Pakistani officials regarding the AWACS aircraft commenced in June 2025.

How Many Pakistani Aircraft Did India Shoot Down?

It is noteworthy that in August 2025, Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, stated that India had shot down six Pakistani aircraft—comprising five fighter jets and one AWACS—during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

He remarked, "The Indian Air Force possesses evidence regarding the destruction of one Pakistani aircraft of the C-130 category and at least four to five fighter jets—likely F-16s."

Prior to this, the Pakistan Air Force possessed a Saab Erieye-2000 AWACS aircraft. According to reports, this Pakistani AWACS was shot down by India. Furthermore, reports also claimed that Pakistan lost another Saab Erieye-2000 during an Indian missile strike on the Bholari Airbase. Former Pakistan Air Force Air Marshal Masood Akhtar also acknowledged this fact. However, Pakistan consistently attempts to conceal the losses incurred during 'Operation Sindoor'.

Did Pakistan Suffer a Severe Blow in Operation Sindoor?

India launched 'Operation Sindoor' on the night of May 7, 2025, under which the Indian Armed Forces bombed and destroyed nine terrorist hideouts located within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation was conducted in retaliation to a terrorist attack that took place in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, in April 2025, wherein Pakistan-backed Lashkar terrorists shot dead 26 people. All of the victims were tourists who had traveled to Kashmir from various states across India.

A few days after Operation Sindoor, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh stated during a press conference, "We successfully targeted several of Pakistan's airfields and military installations." He further added that the Indian strikes inflicted heavy losses upon Pakistan. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh remarked, "During our strikes on Pakistani military installations, radars were damaged at at least four locations, Command and Control Centers at two locations, and runways at two locations; additionally, three of their aircraft hangars were damaged across three different airbases."