The KJ-2000 is a second-generation AEW&C aircraft developed in China, after the ill-fated KJ-1 AEWC project was cancelled as the Chinese economic reform in the late 1970s mandated cuts in military spending.

The KJ-2000 development program started after the cancellation of the A-50I deal with Russia and Israel in July 2000 due to strong American pressure against the export of the Israeli EL/M-2075 Phalcon radar that was to be mounted.

Currently, the Russian defense exporter Rosoboronexport has imposed a significant price hike on all future Il-76s delivered to China and India despite previous contracts.

In this way it is expected production can be run smoothly to supply China with new Il-76 airframes, while delivery of Soloviev D-30KP-2 engines is not affected by recent[when?]

[4] However, due to the unreliability of external suppliers, China has developed a backup design known as the KJ-200 by installing a simplified system on board the smaller Shaanxi Y-8 airframe, the Chinese domestic variants of Antonov An-12 tactical airlifter.

Instead, the three PAR modules are placed in an equilateral triangle configuration inside the 14-metre-diameter (46 ft) round radome, each covering a 120-degree spherical sector to provide full 360‑degree coverage.