New Swedish radar aircraft could protect Ukrainian airspace

Could the new capabilities curb the Russian bombings?

The transfer of Swedish Saab 340/ASC890 long-range radar detection and control aircraft to Ukraine, which was reported last May, is on track. The timing depends on some F-16 modifications, according to the Swedish Defense Ministry told the lithuanian news site Delfi.

"The timing of the ASC890 delivery is linked to when certain modifications of the F-16 fighters will be ready," it said. "We are working in accordance with the original schedule, but for security reasons we will not report when and where certain activities have taken place or will take place," the Defense Ministry added.

Sweden is also helping with the training of Ukrainians to become pilots, training maintenance personnel and operators of onboard equipment, the defense ministry said.

Detecting Russian bombers

The Saab 340/ASC890 AEW&C, also known as the S100B Argus, carries the PS-890 “Erieye” radar system which can monitor high and medium altitude Russian airspace to an operational depth of about 200 – 250 kilometers (125 – 156 miles).

Stationed over the rear areas of Ukraine the radar will allow the detection of Russian Su-35S and Su-30SM1 fighters and Su-34N fighter bombers as they prepare to launch missiles or aerial guided bombs on Ukrainian positions and towns, even operating at their maximum range from the front line or Russian Ukrainian border.

(ML. Source: Kyiv Post/Delfi. Photo: Gnolam/CreativeCommons 3.0)