Ukraine will receive two AEW&C aircraft

Swedish government officials clarified the details of the transfer of Saab 340 (ACS 890) airborne early warning and control aircraft to Ukraine. Tom Samuelson, press secretary of the Prime Minister of Sweden, shared this. On May 30, the Swedish government announced its largest military aid package to Ukraine, amounting to 1.16 billion euros.

"The package includes two airborne surveillance and control aircraft (ACS890) that will help Ukraine identify targets at a great distance," Samuelson said. On the same day, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson solemnly presented the aircraft directly to the Ukrainian Ambassador to Sweden.

Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson and the Ambassador of Ukraine next to the future Ukrainian Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, May 30, 2024. Photo credits: Tom Samuelsson

Currently, the only operator of Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft in the Swedish Air Force is the 72nd Special Aircraft Squadron, which has two such aircraft in service.

Accordingly, the country will transfer all aircraft of this type to Ukraine. Samuelson noted that the transfer of these aircraft would entail a temporary decrease in Sweden's defense capabilities. The Swedish government plans to close this "gap" by purchasing more modern S196 GlobalEye aircraft from Saab.

It is worth reminding that Poland recently purchased the other two aircraft of this type from the Swedish Armed Forces. The first aircraft has already been handed over to the customer, and the transfer of systems and related equipment, along with training, is expected to take place by the end of next year.

S100D Argus

The Swedish AEW&C aircraft based on the regional Saab 340 were given the name S100 Argus by the country's armed forces. They were ordered to perform airspace monitoring and air target search missions at the end of the last century.

The Saab 340 AEWs were put into service in 1997. According to the contract, the country received six aircraft, four of which were equipped with a radar station, and two more were used as spares. During the 2000s, Swedish aircraft underwent two significant stages of modernization to the Saab 340 AEW-300 version, which significantly expanded their potential for use.

The aircraft, in particular, received an expanded onboard control center and gained the ability to interact with their own tactical aircraft.

Saab 340 AEW-300 radar operator console

Previously, the Swedish government, given the possible logistics problems, paused the plan to transfer to Ukraine JAS-39 Gripen fighters to integrate the F-16.