Shaanxi Aircraft Industry Corporation is currently test-flying a new indigenous airborne early warning (AEW) design based on its new Y-8F-600 airframe. This is the PLAAF’s third AEW programme following the introduction of KJ-2000 AWACS and Y-8 ‘Balance Beam’ AEW aircraft only few years ago. Airborne electronic systems has been a focus of the PLA’s extensive military modernization in recent years. In particular, AEW capability has been seen by the military as vital to obtain air superiority over the Taiwan Strait.
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