What happened to the new Y-8 AWACs photos? Why were they removed?

China is developing at least 2 different kinds of AWACs. The first type is mounted on IL-76 aircraft and looks similar to the Israeli Phalcon. This is the KJ-2000 AWACs. The NATO code name for this Chinese AWACs is MAINRING. Two such AWACs have entered service and more are being built.

The second Chinese AWACs is the one you see in the photos above. Its a beam type system like the Swedish Erieye but is probably bigger and more powerful than the Erieye and will have full AWACs capabilities and is mounted on Y-8 aircraft.

Its possible that the second type of AWACs will be used for both land and ocean patrols. The Y-8 has good endurance and will be able to carry out long range ocean patrols to keep watch on foreign warships as well as foreign fighter aircraft.

These Y-8 AWACs will be able to track large areas of the ocean and foreign warships will have a hard time hiding. If necessary PLANAF SU-30MKK2s and JH-7As can be called in to destroy foreign warships and fighters. Let’s not even talk about the PLAAF. Just the PLANAF alone equipped with Y-8 AWACs and SU-30MKK2s and JH-7As will be more than most countries can handle.