Block 2 has data link too - data can be communicated between fighters, but more importantly providing multiple aspects of target tracking which is fed back to the ZDK-03 to build high fidelity image of what's happening on the battlefield. This capability will only improve when AESA radars are rolled out into Block 3. Data about the PL-15 might be limited (and for good reason), but from what we know they're seemingly on-par with AMRAAMs. As such from what we know about the Block 3, it's capabilities shouldn't be that far off from the Gripen, especially if you throw in helmet mounted display, improved engine and avionics, IRST.... etc.The Gripen E has its own datalink which allows different aircraft to communicate target data. Plus the AESA radar can swivel. So you can spot a target that's on your side basically. It can also fire the Meteor. Plus the Swedes do have AEW&C platforms. They might not be as advanced as the Chinese ones but they are able to interact with the Gripen.
For a country with 10 million people the Swedes do an impressive job at making defense systems. They have been doing jet fighters since the begining of the jet age. Lots of design experience and unique requirements. Sure they need to import a lot of systems but it's complicated not to do that with such a limited production base.
The Erieye system featured on Swedish AEW&C only features 300 degree of radar coverage, whereas the ZDK-03's AESA radar covers full the 360 degrees. The Y-8, which the ZDK-03 is based on, seemingly has a performance and endurance (12 hours vs 6 hours) advantage over the Saab 340. More importantly the PAF are seemingly forging ahead with Sino-Pakistani developed weapons systems and technology, it would be impractical and expensive to reverse course to procure NATO-based weapons after following this path for almost two decades now... Especially given the current state of geopolitical affairs.
Last edited: