Sweden replaces its Saab 340 AEW-300 with powerful GlobalEye
The Swedish government decided to replace its Saab 340 airborne aircraft for early warning and control (AEW & C) with the much more modern and capable GlobalEye.
The Swedish Air Force currently operates 2 old ASC 890 (internal designation for Saab 340 AEW) of the 4 that were originally acquired, equipped with an AESA Erieye side scan radar, with a coverage of 300 ° and the ability to detect a target in a fighter jet. at a distance of 250 km. Although their replacement has been sought for several years, the government has only now given the go-ahead for the operation.
According to the Armed Forces press release, the aircraft chosen to replace the ASC 890 is the Saab GlobalEye
Saab’s GlobalEye has a highly efficient radar mounted on top of the fuselage, the so-called Erieye Extended Range, which provides increased range, resolution and resistance to countermeasures. Other advanced sensors are also integrated. For example, it can send data to air force, army and naval units. The system will also be able to support society by coordinating and leading rescue efforts in the event of natural disasters or major accidents.
“Saab’s GlobalEye has a powerful radar and other sensors that improve our ability to monitor airspace, sea and land,” says the Swedish Armed Forces’ Production Manager Johan Svensson.
GlobalEye is one of the most capable and modern AEW & C systems in the world. Its main sensor is the Erieye ER radar (extended range), based on GaN technology, with an instrumental range of 550 km. It also has an AESA radar for maritime and ground scanning under the fuselage, an optical pod, passive sensors for radio emission detection and powerful electronic warfare equipment for self-defense.
The Bombardier Global 6000/6500 high-performance business jet is used as a platform, giving GlobalEye an assignment time of up to 11 hours.
So far, the only operator of this AEW system is the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force, which acquired 3 aircraft plus 2 options in 2015. The first 3 units were already delivered and are now working on another 2, which the UAE decided to implement the 2 options.
Another potential user is Finland, where Saab is participating in the HX competition to replace its F / A-18 Hornet with a combo based on the Gripen E / F and GlobalEye.