Swedish ASC 890 radar aircraft enters combat over Ukraine
Ukraine's defense ministry confirms the Swedish-supplied ASC 890 airborne early warning aircraft flew its first combat sorties in March 2026, marking its
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has confirmed the Swedish-supplied ASC 890 airborne early warning and control aircraft flew its first combat sorties in March 2026. This marks the official transition of the type from delivery to operational use, according to a ministry explainer published on September 4, 2026.
The disclosure came in a document about the Air Force Capability Coalition (AFCC). The AFCC, co-led by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States, was established in October 2023 and includes 14 member states. The ministry has not revealed the number of sorties flown, the operating location, or specific mission profiles.
Sweden announced the transfer of the aircraft in May 2024 as part of a military support package. Ukraine confirmed the transfer in August 2025, with combat operations beginning seven months later. The ASC 890 provides Ukraine with its first dedicated airborne early warning capability, a function its air force lacked previously.
Aircraft capabilities and specifications
The ASC 890 is a modified Saab 340 regional turboprop equipped with an Erieye active electronically scanned array radar. The Ukrainian ministry states the type can detect airborne targets at long range, coordinate combat air operations, and enable more effective use of fighter aircraft.
Known in Swedish service as the S 100D Argus, it is a rebuild of the older S 100B Argus model. The upgrade included NATO-compatible command-and-control systems and additional mission consoles. Manufacturer Saab provides specific performance figures for the radar system.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Instrumented Range | 450 kilometers (280 miles) |
| Detection Range (vs. Fighter-sized targets) | About 350 kilometers in heavy clutter or jamming |
| Antenna Scan | 150 degrees to each side, with blind spots ahead and behind |
Swedish replacement plans
Sweden had committed to replacing the ASC 890 before donating it to Ukraine. The Swedish government ordered two GlobalEye aircraft, designated S 106, in June 2022 and exercised an option for a third in June 2024. Officials stated in May 2024 that they would advance these deliveries to offset the capability loss, with entry into service expected in 2027.
Integration with future fighter fleet
The Ukrainian ministry noted that the ASC 890 forms the basis of a network-centric air combat system aligned with NATO standards. It operates alongside other Western-supplied aircraft like the F-16 and Mirage 2000.
Ukraine also awaits the delivery of Gripen fighters. 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, with deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030.
Separately, Sweden has pledged 16 older Gripen C/D fighters from its air force stocks as military aid. Deliveries of these aircraft are expected to begin in early 2027.
