In early 2024, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) revealed its ongoing work to make electronic warfare (EW) a central aspect of its air warfare doctrine (see Quwa’s report on the PAF for more details).
This shift is a departure from the PAF’s previous approach, which was to leverage EW in specific roles, most notably offensive air operations (like Swift Retort in 2019). With multiple land-based and airborne systems in the procurement pipeline, and a widespread domestic industry drive to supply solutions, EW will be a mainstay asset.
Stay up to date with the latest Pakistani defence news with reliable research and accurate forecasting
Click Here
The PAF credits the DA-20 for playing a leading role in jamming the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) communications, especially between its fighter aircraft and ground intercept controllers. It may have also been the case that the PAF succeeded in jamming Indian ground-based and air radars at various points of the operation.
The interesting outcome of Swift Retort was that the PAF basically used its EW assets for their intended purpose – i.e., offensive operations – but emerged from the operation with a desire to distribute EW across more domains as well as leverage ELINT.
Quwa Plus
Go Beyond the Headlines on Pakistan’s Defence and Security.
Quwa Plus gives you deeper reporting, briefings, and analysis on Pakistan’s defence programs, foreign policy, national security, and regional strategy. Follow the developments that matter to professionals, analysts, and serious readers tracking Pakistan’s security landscape.
Join ($29.99/Year) Already a subscriber?Sign in
