AEW&C Aircraft
KJ-2000 AEW&C
The KJ-2000 (NATO: Mainring) is a Chinese airborne early warning and control aircraft built by Shaanxi and CETC on the Il-76 airframe, in PLAAF service since about 2008. It carries an AESA radar and is thought to serve in very small numbers, with the KJ-500 and KJ-200 filling out the family.
China|Shaanxi / Xi’an with CETC (China Electronics Technology Group)What Is the KJ-2000 AEW&C? Overview, History and Development
China built the KJ-2000 after Israel cancelled the Phalcon radar sale for an Il-76 in 2000 under US pressure. The Nanjing Research Institute of Electronics Technology (CETC 14) developed an indigenous AESA radar, the aircraft flew in 2003 and entered PLAAF service around 2008. It uses four D-30KP-2 engines, cruises at up to 850 km/h, has a range of about 5,500 km and can stay airborne for about 7.7 hours.
Only about five or six KJ-2000 aircraft are thought to be in service, per estimates. Chinese sources claim detection of fighters at about 470 km and ballistic missiles at about 1,200 km, claims not independently verified. The KJ-500 and the Y-20-based KJ-3000, reportedly tested in December 2024, are the successors. There are no exports, and no combat use is known. Rivals include the A-50U, E-3 Sentry and E-7 Wedgetail.
KJ-2000 AEW&C Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
KJ-2000 AEW&C Variants and Versions Compared
The large Il-76-based AEW&C aircraft with an AESA radar in a rotodome-style housing, in PLAAF service since about 2008.
A smaller AEW&C aircraft on the Y-8 transport airframe with a balance-beam radar, first flown in 2001, with roughly 10 to 15 estimated built.
A third-generation AEW&C on the Y-9 turboprop airframe with a fixed three-array AESA radar, flying since 2015 and in service since about 2018.
Which Countries Use the KJ-2000 AEW&C? Operators and Users
ChinaKJ-2000 AEW&C FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the KJ-2000 cost?
The KJ-2000 has no official price, with outside estimates of roughly US$150–250 million per aircraft, though confidence in that range is low. China does not publish procurement costs, and the aircraft has never been offered for export.
How many KJ-2000 does China have?
China is thought to operate only about five or six KJ-2000 aircraft, according to estimates. Beijing does not release fleet numbers, and it relies more on the cheaper KJ-500, of which dozens are estimated to be in service.
How far can the KJ-2000 radar detect targets?
Chinese sources claim the KJ-2000 radar detects fighters at about 470 km and ballistic missiles at about 1,200 km, and tracks 60 to 100 targets at once. These figures come from Chinese claims and have not been independently verified.
KJ-2000 vs A-50: which is better?
The KJ-2000 is generally viewed as more advanced than the Russian A-50 because it uses an AESA radar, while the A-50 relies on the older Shmel radar. The A-50U upgrade narrows the gap, but the KJ-2000 has no confirmed combat record either.
Why did China build the KJ-2000?
China built the KJ-2000 because Israel cancelled the Phalcon radar sale for an Il-76 in 2000 under US pressure. China then developed its own AESA radar at CETC 14, and the resulting aircraft flew in 2003.
Does Pakistan operate the KJ-2000?
Pakistan does not operate the KJ-2000, which is used by the PLAAF only. Pakistan flies the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle, an export derivative of the KJ-200 family on the Y-8 airframe, along with Saab 2000 Erieye aircraft.
