ASC 890 Transfer to Ukraine on Track, Linked to F-16 Upgrades

The transfer of Swedish airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft Saab 340 AEW&C (ASC 890) to Ukraine is proceeding on schedule.

The delivery timeline is linked to the modifications of F-16 fighters to ensure interoperability with these aircraft.

This was reported by the Ministry of Defence of Sweden in a comment to Delfi.

The transfer of these specialized aircraft was first announced in May 2024 of Sweden’s military aid package.

“The delivery dates for the ASC 890 are related to when certain modifications of F-16 fighters will be ready. There are no delays in the transfer of AEW&C aircraft to Ukraine,” the ministry stated.

The Ministry of Defence of Sweden added that they were working according to schedule but, for security reasons, would not disclose “when and where certain actions took place or will take place.”

Sweden is also assisting in training Ukrainian pilots, maintenance personnel, and airborne equipment operators, the ministry noted.

The ASC 890 will provide Ukraine with entirely new capabilities for airborne radar surveillance and battle management of fighter jets.

It would be helpful in repelling large-scale Russian missile and drone attacks. It will also enhance overall situational awareness in Ukrainian airspace.

However, operating AEW&C aircraft over Ukraine, ensuring their combat effectiveness, and safeguarding them will present additional challenges for Ukrainian forces. These aircraft will become high-priority targets for Russian forces.

This is especially relevant given that Russia has already lost several of its own A-50 long-range airborne radar aircraft during the full-scale war against Ukraine.

Read more about the capabilities of the ASC 890 in the article by Militarnyi: Saab 340 AEW&C: The Air Force’s “Eye in the Sky”.