[Defense Column] Sweden Challenges Early Warning Aircraft Project

[Monthly Defense Times Editor-in-Chief An Seungbeom] The origin of the first Swedish early warning aircraft was made possible by successfully combining domestic aircraft and radar technology.

In 1996, the S100D early warning aircraft was put into practical use by equipping the Ericsson ERIAI early warning radar on the domestically produced SAAB 340 turboprop passenger aircraft, and currently, two units are in operation.

After adoption by the Swedish Air Force, the Arab Emirates Air Force introduced two units of the same aircraft, and the Saudi Arabian Air Force procured two SAAB 2000 turboprop early warning aircraft with a longer fuselage to increase console and crew capacity.

In the late 1990s, the Brazilian Air Force introduced five E-99 early warning aircraft by installing Swedish ERIAI radar on its domestic Embraer business jets.

By equipping early warning radars on business jets and scoring in cost-effectiveness, the Indian Air Force acquired two units, the Greek Air Force four units, and the Mexican Air Force one unit, all currently in operation.

In the 2000s, the Pakistan Air Force, which could not procure American or Russian early warning aircraft, introduced five SAAB 2000 early warning aircraft to counter the Indian Air Force, and the Thai Air Force secured two SAAB 340 units as part of a package deal when acquiring SAAB’s Gripen fighters.

The latest early warning aircraft from Swedish SAAB is the GlobalEye 6000, with the Arab Emirates Air Force ordering five units and currently possessing three. The GlobalEye 6000 is a model equipped with an upgraded ERIAI radar installed on the 19-seat Canadian-made Global Express 6000 business jet, operating five radar control consoles.

The basic onboard electronic equipment includes the ERIAI ER early warning radar, Satcom satellite communication antenna, and missile warning system. Optional equipment for purchasing countries includes the Sea Spray maritime surveillance radar, electronic intelligence collection antennas, and electro-optical and infrared sensors.

The radar performance can detect fighter aircraft at a maximum range of 450 km at an altitude of 30,000 feet. The ERIAI ER radar has enhanced detection capabilities for drones, helicopters hovering at low altitude, and low-flying cruise missiles. The optional Sea Spray radar specializes in tracking drug-smuggling light aircraft infiltrating over the sea to land at night. Furthermore, it can easily detect vehicles used by terrorists and special forces for infiltration.

The GlobalEye early warning aircraft maintains a cruising speed of Mach 0.85 and can reach a maximum range of 11,112 km. It can conduct patrol flights for up to 11 hours. There is a six-seat rest area behind the cockpit for five radar console operators.

Countries manufacturing early warning aircraft include the United States, Russia, China, Israel, and Sweden, while 24 countries operate early warning aircraft (excluding 18 NATO-operated units).