Swedish ASC 890 surveillance aircraft already conducting combat missions in Ukraine – Defense Ministry
Sweden’s ASC 890 airborne early warning and control aircraft, also known as the Saab 340 AEW&C, is already conducting combat missions in Ukraine, the Defense Ministry said on Sept. 4.
On September 4, Sweden's Defense Ministry confirmed that the country's ASC 890 airborne early warning and control aircraft are already conducting combat missions in Ukraine. The ministry stated that the ASC 890 aircraft first engaged in combat operations over Ukraine in March 2026. These aircraft are capable of detecting aerial targets from long distances and can enhance the effectiveness of fighter jet operations.
They are an integral part of modern NATO-standard air combat systems and can operate alongside F-16, Mirage 2000, and Gripen fighter jets that Ukraine has received from international partners. The acquisition of ASC 890 aircraft is expected to significantly bolster the capabilities of Ukraine's Air Force by providing early detection of aerial threats and improving coordination of aviation operations.
In May 2024, Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven confirmed that Ukraine would receive two ASC 890 aircraft as part of a new military aid package. Illia Yevlash, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, emphasized that the transfer of these aircraft would greatly improve the capabilities of the F-16 fighter jets provided to Ukraine and assist in detecting targets from a safe distance.
The Defense Express described this transfer as a historic development for Ukraine, highlighting that the Ukrainian Armed Forces had been seeking such aircraft throughout the nation's 33-year history of independence. In August 2025, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal officially confirmed the transfer of ASC 890 aircraft to Ukraine, marking the first time Sweden had handed over these advanced surveillance aircraft to a foreign country. The two nations also agreed to collaborate on producing defense products in both countries.
Written by urgent.news from New Voice of Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
