On April 21, 2025, a Saab 340 AEW&C airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, also known as ASC 890, was spotted in the skies over Lviv Oblast. This was reported by Ukrainian Telegram channels, specifying that this was not a passenger aircraft, but a military aircraft transferred by Sweden as part of military aid. This high-tech device, equipped with the advanced Erieye radar system, is capable of radically strengthening Ukraine's defense capability, ensuring control of air and sea space, as well as coordination of air defense and aviation.

The Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft is said to be designed to perform several key missions. Its PS-890 Erieye radar can detect aircraft, cruise missiles and drones at a range of up to 450 kilometers, covering an area of ​​over 500 square kilometers. The system can coordinate the actions of air defense systems such as Patriot, NASAMS and IRIS-T, transmitting accurate target data in real time. In addition, the aircraft controls fighters, including the expected F-16, helping them operate stealthily and effectively thanks to integration through the NATO-standard Link-16 network. Another function is maritime surveillance, which allows identifying ships and aircraft, as well as providing targeting for strikes.

The appearance of the Saab 340 AEW&C in the skies over the Lviv region confirms that Ukraine has begun actively using the aircraft donated by Sweden, which was announced in May 2024. The Swedish government included two such aircraft in the 16th military aid package worth $1,3 billion, calling them a “decisive factor” in strengthening Ukraine’s air defense. According to Swedish Defense Minister Poul Jonsson, the aircraft will be a “force multiplier,” especially in combination with Western fighters.

Defense Express clarifies that two aircraft allow covering most of Ukraine, but for continuous patrols they need to alternate, as the duration of one sortie is limited to five hours. The Aviationist emphasizes that the aircraft can detect low-flying targets such as cruise missiles and drones, which is especially important in the face of Russian attacks.

Experts note that the Saab 340 AEW&C is likely based in western Ukraine or even in neighboring countries such as Poland to minimize the risk of being hit by Russian air defenses, including the S-300V4 or R-37M missiles. According to Defensemirror.com, the aircraft’s integration with the F-16 via Link-16 allows Ukrainian forces to conduct “ambush” operations. However, Military Watch Magazine warns that the limited number of aircraft makes them vulnerable, and their loss would be a serious blow to Kyiv.