In order to replace the Saab 340 AEW aircraft transferred to Ukraine, the Swedish Air Force confirms the purchase of a third AEW&C GlobalEye aircraft.

On June 27, Saab has announced a new contract with the Defense Materiel Directorate (FMV) to provide a third Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.) GlobalEye for the Swedish Air ForceIn order to fill the gap that will soon be left in capabilities with the transfer of the Saab 340 AEW to Ukraine. It should be noted that the request is part of the options included in the previous contract signed between the two parties in 2022, which included two GlobalEye aircraft, in addition to options to obtain two additional aircraft.

In May this year, the Swedish government confirmed the transfer Saab 340 AEW&C Airborne Early Warning and Control Aircraft to Ukrainian Air ForceWhich in effect means a decline in the airborne surveillance and control capabilities of the country's air force. In this context, along with the announcement of the new aid package for Ukraine, the Ministry of Defense of the Nordic country confirmed that it will confirm the order for two AEW&C GlobalEye aircraft.

Recently, Saab confirmed that it is well on its way to supplying the first two aircraft for the Swedish Air Force under the 2022 Contra; the first of which is already in the conversion phase, after a Bombardier Global 6000 arrived from Canada earlier this year at Saab’s facilities in Linköping to carry out the conversion work to an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform. GlobalEye.

The Saab GlobalEye is compatible with the Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system with sensors and equipment installed on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 aircraft, which has an operational range of 11,000 kilometres. These aircraft feature the latest version of the Erieye AESA radar, can operate at an altitude of up to 10,700 metres and can detect threats at a range of up to 458 kilometres.

SAP, in the words of its President and CEO Michael Johansson, highlighted that:We are proud to contribute to Sweden’s defence with another GlobalEye aircraft, which will provide unique situational awareness, as well as the ability to detect and provide early warning of potential threats in the air, at sea or on the ground.“

*Images used for illustration.

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