Swedish-supplied ASC 890 early warning aircraft has been conducting combat missions in Ukraine, says Kyiv
Kyiv has said that an ASC 890 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft supplied to Ukraine by Sweden has been carrying out combat missions in Ukraine.
Source: Ukrainian Ministry of Defence in a report on the Air Force Capability Coalition, which brings together countries supporting Ukraine's air force
Details: The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence said the ASC 890 (also known as the Saab 340 AEW&C) had carried out its first combat sorties over Ukraine in March 2026.
Quote: "This aircraft is capable of detecting aerial assets at considerable range, coordinating the actions of combat aircraft and enhancing the effectiveness of fighter aircraft operations."
More details: The Ministry of Defence explained that the AEW&C system is a key element of a NATO-standard air combat system, working alongside F-16, Mirage 2000 and Gripen fighter jets, which Kyiv's partners have pledged to provide to Ukraine.
Sweden announced in May 2024 that it would provide Ukraine with two ASC 890 aircraft and confirmed in August 2025 that the transfer was proceeding as planned. The aircraft are manufactured by Swedish defence company Saab.
According to Ukrainian military news outlet Militarnyi, the aircraft has a crew of seven: three crew members and four operators of the radar and airspace management system. It can carry out patrol missions at a speed of around 300 km/h at altitudes of 2,000 to 6,000 metres.
More details: The long-range radar detection aircraft is equipped with an FSR 890 Erieye radar, which can track up to 500 surface targets and 1,000 airborne targets simultaneously. The radar can detect targets at altitudes of up to 20 km and has an instrumental detection range of 450 km.
Background: Ukrainska Pravda previously reported that the UK, in partnership with Sweden, would provide €300 million in support for the supply of 16 modern aircraft to Ukraine.
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