Ukraine will receive Saab 340 AEW&C airborne early warning and control aircraft, known as ASC 890, from Sweden immediately after the F-16 fighters are modified to operate together. This was reported by the Swedish Ministry of Defense on March 21, 2025, emphasizing that the transfer process is strictly according to the established schedule. There are no delays in deliveries, as specified by the department, which confirms Stockholm's commitment to its obligations to Kiev in the context of the ongoing conflict.

According to the Swedish Ministry of Defense, the delivery time of the ASC 890 directly depends on the readiness of certain technical modifications to the American F-16 fighters, which are already at the disposal of Ukraine.

“We are working according to plan, but for security reasons we will not disclose when and where specific stages are or will be taking place,” the ministry said.

In addition to the transfer of aircraft, Sweden is actively involved in the training of Ukrainian specialists: the training includes courses for pilots, technicians and on-board systems operators, which should ensure the effective use of the new equipment.

The ASC 890 aircraft, equipped with advanced Erieye radars, will provide the Armed Forces of Ukraine with unique capabilities for aerial reconnaissance and combat coordination. These machines are capable of detecting targets at a distance of up to 400 kilometers, including aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles and naval objects, which will significantly enhance the country's defensive potential. Their integration with the F-16, as experts note, will create a synergistic effect, allowing for more effective counteraction to air threats and coordination of aviation actions in real time.

To expand on the context, the decision to transfer the ASC 890 was made back in May 2024 as part of Sweden’s then-largest military aid package, worth $1,3 billion. As Kyiv Post reported at the time, the two aircraft, previously in service with the Swedish Air Force and scheduled for decommissioning, were transferred to Kyiv to bolster its air defense. Swedish Defense Minister Pohl Jonsson called the ASC 890 “the most significant reinforcement” of Ukraine’s air defenses, emphasizing their compatibility with promised F-16s from the U.S. and other NATO countries. Since then, the process of preparing for the transfer has included upgrading the aircraft and adapting their systems to interact with Western equipment.

According to Business Insider, the ASC 890s have already been upgraded in Sweden to the 2009 version, allowing them to be equipped with consoles for three operators: a mission commander, a combat management specialist, and a surveillance operator. This turns them from simple data relays into full-fledged command platforms capable of directing air operations without the need to relay information to the ground.