Pakistan’s deployment shows that the country fears similar strikes like Balakot may occur after the Pahalgam attack.
The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is on high alert after the Pahalgam terror attack that has taken the lives of 28 Indian citizens. Concerns of a retaliatory strike attack by India, similar to the 2019 Balakot airstrikes is arising in Pakistan according to media reports.
Pakistan-based terrorist group The Resistance Front (TRF), linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam terror attack. The attack has been condemned globally, from nations like the United States, Israel, and several European countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cutting his visit to Saudi Arabia, returned to New Delhi, while Home Minister Amit Shah is already in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to media reports, due to the fear of the Indian Air Force’s potential response the PAF has increased its border security. Reports claim that Pakistan has deployed its Saab Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to monitor Indian military movements and maintain real-time surveillance over the border region.
What Is Erieye AEW&C System?
The Saab Erieye AEW&C is an advanced airborne radar system capable of detecting aircraft, missiles over long distances. The system gives real-time situational awareness which helps the air force for effective coordination. It may help PAF in monitoring Indian airspace activity and in detecting military mobilizations.
Fear Of Balakot 2.0
India did surgical strike in Balakot in 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack. It was a big embarrassment for Pakistan’s military leadership. Pakistan may have feared such a surgical strike after the current Pehelgam terror attack.
Tensions were already going on between two countries when Pakistan’s military leadership, including Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, who recently referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s ‘jugular vein’.
