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Military Special Mission Aircraft ·Shaanxi

ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle

Chinese-designed airborne early warning and control aircraft, developed in the early 21st century, operated exclusively by the Pakistan Air Force for aerial surveillance and command. Key figures: top speed 660 km/h, range 5,615 km, service ceiling 10,400 m, max takeoff weight 61,000 kg, built 4.

Max speed
660km/h
Range
5,615km
Produced
4units
Shaanxi ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
Side profile · Shaanxi ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle · length 34.0 m
Technical SpecificationsVersion: ZDK-03
Length34.0 m (111.6 ft)
Wingspan38 m (124.7 ft)
Height11.2 m (36.6 ft)
Wing area121.9 m² (1312.1 sqft)
Empty weight35,490 kg (78,242 lbs)
Max. takeoff weight61,000 kg (134,482 lbs)
Powerplant4 × Zhuzhou WoJiang-6 (WJ-6) 3,170 kW each
PerformanceVersion: ZDK-03
Maximum speed660 km/h (410 mph)
Operational range5,615 km (3,489 mi)
Service ceiling10,400 m (34,121 ft)
Climb rate10.0 m/s (32.8 ft/s)
Operators — 2026
No country is operating the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle in 2026.
All Operators
🇵🇰 Pakistan

Description

The ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle is a Chinese-built airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft developed by Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation. Produced for the Pakistan Air Force, which ordered four units, the aircraft is based on the Y-8F600 four-engine turboprop platform. The first flight of the ZDK-03 took place in 2010. Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation delivered the first unit to Pakistan on 12 October 2011, and the fourth and final aircraft on 26 February 2015.

Design

The ZDK-03 carries a Chinese Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar inside a fixed circular dorsal rotodome. This radar's range is reported to exceed that of Pakistan's Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C system. To support future upgrades, the aircraft's mission systems utilize open-architecture electronics. The underlying Y-8F600 platform incorporates a redesigned fuselage, Pratt & Whitney turboprop engines, an Electronic Flight Instrument System glass cockpit, and is operated by a two-person flight crew.

Operational History

The Pakistan Air Force is the sole operator of the ZDK-03. The aircraft are assigned to No. 4 AEW&C Squadron ("Karakoram Eagles"), under the 32nd Air Mobility Wing, and operate from PAF Base Masroor.

Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and other open sources. Illustrations generated by AI. Last updated on 1 July 2026. Suggest a change

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of aircraft is the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The Shaanxi ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle is a military special mission aircraft aircraft developed by Shaanxi and entered service in 2011.
What is the maximum speed of the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The Shaanxi ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle has a maximum speed of 660 km/h (410 mph).
What is the range of the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The Shaanxi ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle has an operational range of 5,615 km (3,488 miles). This range can vary based on payload, altitude, and mission profile.
When did the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle first fly?
The Shaanxi ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle made its first flight on January 01, 2010. It entered operational service in 2011.
How many ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle have been built?
4 units of the Shaanxi ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle have been produced since it entered service in 2011.
What is the service ceiling of the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The Shaanxi ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle has a service ceiling of 10,400 meters (34,120 feet). This is the maximum altitude at which the aircraft can maintain controlled flight.
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Latest Data Updates
  1. JUL 12026 Created Page created: ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle