Swedish Saab 340 seen over Ukraine? ‘Eye in the sky’ tracks Russian drones, missiles

Video circulating on social media is said to show a Saab 340 flying over an undisclosed area in Ukraine, which could mark its first reported appearance in the country’s service. Originally posted on a Russian Telegram channel and later highlighted by The War Zone, the footage appears to show the aircraft in daylight with its signature “balance beam” radar mounted above the fuselage.

If verified, the sighting aligns with Sweden’s May 2024 announcement to transfer two Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft to Kyiv. In Swedish service, the platform is designated as ASC 890 or S 100D Argus.

The Saab 340’s primary role is airborne surveillance, powered by its Erieye radar system. Operating at altitudes of up to 25,000 feet, the radar can detect air and sea targets at distances of roughly 280 miles and track hundreds of objects simultaneously. Its “lookdown” capability makes it particularly effective against low-flying threats such as drones and cruise missiles—an advantage for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict conditions.


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The aircraft is operated by a three-member mission crew and can share real-time data with ground stations and other aircraft, enhancing situational awareness. Variants of the Erieye system are in service across nine countries, including operators like the Swedish Air Force and the Royal Thai Air Force, underscoring its widespread use.

Saab 340 aircraft AEW&C: Specifications and capabilities

The Saab 340 aircraft measures about 19.73 metres in length and 6.97 metres in height, with a wingspan of 21.44 metres. In certain variants fitted with extended wing tips, the wingspan increases to 22.75 metres. The aircraft has a maximum fuel capacity of 2.58 tonnes.

It can operate at altitudes of up to 25,000 feet and carry a payload ranging between 3.13 tonnes and 3.40 tonnes depending on the variant. Designed as an airborne early warning platform, it is equipped with advanced surveillance systems and the Erieye radar.

The Saab 340 AEW, along with its associated ground equipment, provides a comprehensive situational overview for both military and civilian roles, including airspace monitoring and search-and-rescue operations.

The Erieye system referred to as ASC 890 in Sweden, uses active electronically scanned array technology, allowing it to dynamically adjust radar coverage depending on operational needs. It can scan wide areas or focus on specific zones, delivering fast and accurate detection and tracking. Operating in the S-band, it maintains strong performance even in challenging weather conditions.

The radar can monitor an area exceeding 500,000 square kilometres and track targets at altitudes above 60,000 feet. It is capable of detecting a wide range of threats, from fighter aircraft and helicopters to cruise missiles and small maritime targets.

Globally, the Erieye AEW/AEW&C system has been acquired by nine countries in different configurations, making it one of the most widely used airborne surveillance systems.

In terms of performance, the Saab 340 AEW is powered by the GE CT7-5A2 engine, while other variants such as the Saab 340B, Bplus and ExtWT use the more powerful GE CT7-9B engine paired with Dowty Rotol or Hamilton Sundstrand propellers. The aircraft’s maximum cruise speed ranges between 271 knots and 283 knots, depending on the variant.