Swedish ASC 890 Radar Aircraft Sees Combat Over Ukraine
Ukraine's defense ministry confirmed the Swedish-donated ASC 890 airborne early warning aircraft flew its first combat missions in March 2026, marking the
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has confirmed the Swedish-supplied ASC 890 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft flew its first combat sorties in March 2026. This marks the first official acknowledgment of the type's operational use over Ukraine, according to a ministry explainer published on September 4, 2026.
The disclosure was part of a report on the Air Force Capability Coalition (AFCC). This coalition, co-led by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States, was established in October 2023 and includes 14 member states. The ministry has not released details on the number of sorties flown, the operating location, or the specific mission profile.
A New Capability for Ukraine
The ASC 890 provides Ukraine with its first and only dedicated AEW&C platform. Before this transfer, the Ukrainian Air Force did not operate any aircraft of this type. Sweden announced the donation in May 2024 as part of its 16th military support package. Ukraine confirmed the transfer in August 2025, with combat operations beginning seven months later.
The ministry stated the aircraft can detect airborne targets at long range, coordinate combat air operations, and enable more effective use of fighter jets. It forms the basis of a network-centric air combat system aligned with NATO standards, alongside platforms like the F-16, Mirage 2000, and Gripen.
Aircraft Specifications and Origin
The ASC 890 is a modified Saab 340 regional turboprop equipped with an Erieye active electronically scanned array radar. Known in Swedish service as the S 100D Argus, it is a rebuild of the older S 100B Argus, which entered service in 1997. The update included NATO-compatible command-and-control systems and additional mission consoles.
Manufacturer Saab provides specific performance figures for the radar system. The ministry's report included these technical details.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Instrumented Range | 450 kilometers (280 miles) |
| Detection Range vs. Fighter-sized Targets | About 350 kilometers (in heavy clutter/jamming) |
| Antenna Scan Arc | 150 degrees to each side |
The fixed antenna leaves blind sectors directly ahead of and behind the aircraft. Sweden had committed to replacing its ASC 890 fleet before the donation. It ordered two GlobalEye aircraft (designated S 106) in June 2022 and exercised an option for a third in June 2024. The Swedish government said it would advance those deliveries to offset the capability loss, with entry into service expected in 2027.
Future Fighter Integration
Ukraine is awaiting the delivery of Gripen fighters to further integrate with the ASC 890. On June 30, 2026, Saab signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration for 16 new-build Gripen E fighters for Ukraine. The order is worth approximately SEK 24.6 billion, around $2.5 billion at the signing date's exchange rate. Deliveries are scheduled for 2029 and 2030.
Separately, Sweden has pledged 16 older-generation Gripen C/D fighters from its air force stocks as military aid. Deliveries of those aircraft are expected to begin in early 2027.
