The transfer of the Swedish ASC 890 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft to Ukraine is progressing as planned. This critical military assistance, first announced by the Swedish Ministry of Defense on May 29, 2024, marks a significant enhancement in Ukraine’s ability to monitor and control its airspace amid ongoing Russian invasion.
The ASC 890 is an airborne early warning and control system developed by the Swedish Company Saab, built on the Saab 340 twin-engine turboprop aircraft platform. It is equipped with the Erieye radar, a powerful active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar mounted on top of the fuselage. This radar can detect and track both aerial and maritime targets simultaneously at ranges of up to 400 kilometers, even in challenging conditions such as jamming environments or mountainous terrain. Its advanced sensors allow it to maintain constant surveillance across vast areas, offering commanders real-time situational awareness.
The primary mission of the ASC 890 is to serve as a command-and-control hub in the sky. It provides early warning of incoming threats such as aircraft, cruise missiles, or drones, and coordinates air defense responses by relaying information to fighter aircraft, ground-based air defense systems, and operational command centers. Additionally, it plays a critical role in airspace management, directing friendly aircraft during offensive and defensive operations, deconflicting movements, and supporting joint and combined arms coordination. In maritime settings, it can support naval task forces by tracking surface contacts and enhancing maritime domain awareness.