SUMMARY

  •  Sweden to supply Ukraine with an ASC 890 AWACS aircraft for collective air defense.
  •  The aircraft will improve the effectiveness of Ukraine's F-16s against targets at long range.
  •  The package includes AWACS training, equipment, a fleet of armored vehicles, missiles, and more.
In a surprise move, Sweden announced it would donate a rare and expensive ASC 890 Airborne Surveillance and Control aircraft (Saab 340 AEW&C or AWACS) to Ukraine as part of its largest-ever aid package totaling SEK 13.3 billion or $1.3 USD. The package also includes many missiles, armored vehicles, and other equipment to help Ukraine defend itself. 
This announcement comes on the heels of Belgium announcing it would donate 30 retiring F-16s to Ukraine.
AWACS spy planes (like the ASC 890 Airborne Surveillance and Control aircraft) are crucial enablers in helping air forces paint an accurate battlefield picture. They are the eyes in the sky that see far beyond visual range and play an important role in the effectiveness of fighter jets.

Sweden to supply AWACS aircraft

Sweden is to supply a Saab 340 AEW&C (designated S 100B Argus by the Swedish Air Force) to Ukraine. The airborne and early warning and control aircraft is a variant of the Saab 340 and is equipped with the Erieye active electronically scanned array. 
  • Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft are also operated by Poland and Thailand.
S-100B Argus (Saab 340 AEW&C) Swedish Air Force
Photo: KGG1951 l Wikimedia Commons
The Swedish government released a statement saying, "Today, 29 May, the Government is presenting its 16th and largest military support package to Ukraine to date since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. Sweden will provide Ukraine with a completely new capability to strengthen its collective air defence."
The supply of AWACS aircraft to Ukraine is unprecedented. If used effectively, it should function as a significant force multiplier for the F-16 Fighting Falcons, which Ukraine will soon receive. Denmark is expected to start delivering the first of approximately 85 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine sometime this summer (the full number will be delivered by 2028).

"Today, I am glad to express my profound gratitude to Prime Minister Kristersson, his government, and all Swedes for Sweden’s largest military aid package announced thus far, totaling nearly €1.2 billion." Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky

Losing even one AWACS aircraft can be very painful for any air force. Sweden acknowledged that the donation would "temporary decrease Sweden's defense capability" but this would be addressed by procuring additional S 106 GlobalEye aircraft and by advancing previous orders for two new GlobalEye aircraft.

According to Planespotters.net, Sweden only has two S100D / ASC890 AWACS in service. One was built in 1996 and is now 28 years old; the other was built in 1997, making it 27.5 years old. It is unclear which of the two aircraft will be donated.

Swedish Air Force SAAB 340 AEW&C
Photo: John5199 l Wikimedia Commons
Other package provisions include AMRAAM missiles for the F-16s, Sweden's entire fleet of Pansarbandvagn 302 armored tracked personnel carriers, surplus tank vehicles, 155mm artillery shells, financial support, and more. ​​​​​​​