hyperman
INT'L MOD
I understand that, but as you said, the country is rather narrow, and IMHO, this plane is probably the most survivable platform due to its EW capabilities, to be used as a command post.
It is possible that the PAF would fly over Afghan Air Space (with escorts) to give itself a safe place to operate from. It’s not like PAF will care what the Afghans have to say about using their air space in a time of war, or at least IMHO, they shouldn’t. Based out of Quetta, it could operate as far from Indian potential attack vectors and refuel from here. When it has to be used as a proper EW platform, the generals can come off and the majors can resume its single mission profile.
The other option is to get a separate plane or upgrade the Embrarers intended as MPAs for the role.
And remember all this is to say, we still Absolutely need dozens of underground facilitates to command forces from. All I’m saying is add extra datalinks, satcoms, towed decoys and add a general to each of these planes to add a layer of redundancy.
This plane won't survive in Pakistani airspace, infact no plane would, especially if they know it has leadership on board, its the top priority to destroy. There is also the Assumption in a scenario that Afghans won't be hostile. There is an Indian air force base in Tajikstan btw, and its specifically there to counter any attempt at using Afghanistan as strategic depth, you are imagining a scenario where the Afghans let you use their airspace and its unchallenged. And not accounting for a scenario where you have to deal with Afghanistan possibly being supplied with Indian Air Defense assets or the Indians themselves using the Tajikistan airbase against pakistan in a two prong move.
If a war breaks out, I wouldn't put important people in a plane flying around, I would place them in a deep deep mountain complex in Swat or Gitgit Baltistan.






