"Support for Ukraine is a priority, and the donation of the ASC 890 is a substantial contribution that strengthens Ukrainian air defence. The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) receiving a third S 106 will considerably increase operational capability in the longer term, as well as the ability to contribute to NATO's collective surveillance and command capability within the air combat domain," says Lars Helmrich, Head of FMV's Aviation and Space Materiel division, in the press release.
In May, the Tidö coalition parties announced that Sweden would donate its two airborne radar surveillance and command aircraft of the S 100D type (also known as the ASC 890), as part of the sixteenth military aid package.
During the press conference at which the government presented the support package, Defence Minister Pål Jonson (Moderate Party) stated that the government would consequently bring forward the procurement of GlobalEye, in order to cover the capability gap arising from the donation to Ukraine.
"Together with Saab and the Swedish Armed Forces, we are working intensively to get the new aircraft delivered as quickly as possible so that the Swedish Armed Forces can restore their airborne command and surveillance capability. It is not without challenges, but everyone is firmly committed to finding the fastest and best route to getting these aircraft airborne," says project manager Nils Schroeter.
According to FMV, the two already-ordered S 106 aircraft will be delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces earlier than originally planned, but in a different configuration than initially intended. Once the third aircraft has been delivered in its full configuration, the first two aircraft will be modified to meet the required capability standard.