This order stems from an option in Saab’s June 2022 contract with FMV, which initially covered two GlobalEye aircraft with provisions for two additional units. The aircraft were acquired to replace two Saab 340 AEW aircraft of the Swedish Air Force. The delivery will span from 2024 to 2029 for an order valued at approximately SEK2.6 billion (鈧�250 million).  

鈥淲e are proud to contribute to Sweden精东影业 defence with another GlobalEye aircraft, which will provide unique situational awareness of the surroundings as well the capability of early detection and warning of potential threats in the air, at sea or on land,鈥� said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.   

The GlobalEye aircraft is derived from the Bombardier Global Express 6000 business jet. It is equipped with an Erieye active antenna synthetic aperture radar mounted on top of the fuselage. The radar has a range exceeding 550 kilometers (341 miles) and is equipped for early warning and control across air, sea, and land. 

In May 2024, Sweden announced it would donate two Saab ASC 890 Airborne Surveillance and Control aircraft to bolster Ukraine精东影业 air defense.

Sweden to provide Ukraine with first Airborne Surveillance and Control aircraft

• Defense
• War in Ukraine

byClement Charpentreau

2024-05-29

The aircraft are part of Sweden精东影业 16th military aid package, the most substantial to date, valued at SEK 13.3 billion (鈧�1.16 billion). 

鈥淯kraine精东影业 capability to identify and engage targets at long range will be strengthened,鈥� the Swedish Ministry of Defense commented. 鈥淭he package will also include a holistic solution that involves training, technical equipment and methodological support for air surveillance and command and control.鈥� 

The Saab ASC 890 is a variant of the Saab 340 AEW, based on the Saab 340 regional turboprop airliner.  

This aircraft is equipped with the Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system, featuring an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar mounted atop the fuselage, has a range exceeding 550 kilometers (342 miles) and can effectively track both airborne and naval targets. 

In June 2022, the Swedish Air Force announced plans to replace its two Saab 340 AEW aircraft with two Global 6000 GlobalEye aircraft.  

In July 2023, Saab received the first of these Bombardier Global 6000 jets, equipped with an advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control solution for Sweden. The Swedish GlobalEye fleet is expected to be operational by 2027. 

The same month, Poland completed the acquisition of two second-hand Saab 340 radar reconnaissance aircraft from the United Arab Emirates and Saab. Poland officially received the first Saab 340 aircraft at an airbase in Gdynia on March 4, 2024.听

Poland receives first Saab 340 AEW aircraft from Sweden

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-03-05

This independent project began in July 2023 and is expected to continue through 2025. It was presented at a press briefing held at Saab精东影业 headquarters in Link枚ping.

It is distinct from the UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Sweden was announced as one of the original participants in Team Tempest, and jointly explored with Italy and the United Kingdom the requirements for a sixth-generation fighter jet. 

Sweden did not follow suit when the project merged with Japan精东影业 F-X program and was cemented into the GCAP in December 2022.

As Peter Nilsson, the head of Saab精东影业 Advanced Programmes, revealed, Sweden has undertaken a strategic re-evaluation of its priorities in light of new developments, both internal and external.

鈥淪weden decided with all the things happening, the war in Ukraine, NATO membership, and a raised defense budget, let精东影业 take a deep breath and see where we are going to go,” Nilsson said, as quoted by .

Even though the new concept is still in the early stages, Nilsson hinted that it would differ significantly from the Gripen, emphasizing low observability, autonomy, and electronic warfare capabilities.

These developments follow Saab精东影业 order from the Defence Material Administration (FMV) in March 2024, which includes studies on manned and unmanned solutions in system-by-system, technology development, and demonstrators. 

The project is anticipated to progress to concept, technology, and demonstration development in 2026 until 2031, when a procurement decision will be made.

鈥淚 am proud to celebrate the fourth delivery of our world-leading AEW&C solution GlobalEye to the UAE and to continue supporting its operational availability and mission success,鈥� said Micael Johansson President and CEO of Saab. 鈥淭he high delivery pace in the GlobalEye programme is testament to our unique in-house capability which means we control the entire process, from development to integration.鈥� 

Designed to meet the needs of the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF), the GlobalEye is based on the Canadian-made Bombardier Global Express 6000 business jet. Unlike most aircraft in its category, the GlobalEye features an Erieye active antenna synthetic aperture radar mounted atop the fuselage instead of a rotodome. It has a range of over 550 kilometers (341 miles) and is capable of early warning and control over air, sea, and land. 

Saab signed an initial contract with the UAE for three GlobalEye aircraft in 2015 and received an additional order for two more in 2021. In January 2024, the UAE Ministry of Defense awarded Saab a $190 million contract to provide comprehensive support services, including maintenance, logistics, and training for the GlobalEye system. 

Saab signs $190M GlobalEye support contract with UAE

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2024-01-22

The ceremony coincided with the visit of Swedish Defense Minister P氓l Jonson on March 4, 2024. Discussions during the visit encompassed a wide array of topics, including defense collaboration between Sweden and Poland, and ongoing support for Ukraine.  

“Poland and Sweden have a close relationship, especially in the area of security and defense, which is rooted in a shared view of the threats we jointly face in our region,” Jonson said. 

Poland’s acquisition of the two second-hand Saab 340 radar reconnaissance aircraft from Sweden and Saab, finalized in July 2023, is valued at SEK 600 million (鈧�52 million) over the contract period from 2023 to 2025. The procurement encompasses not only the aircraft but also essential ground equipment, in-country logistics, and comprehensive support services.听

The Saab 340 AEW, derived from the Saab 340 regional turboprop airliner, is a surveillance and command aircraft. Central to its role is the Erieye AEW/AEW&C system, featuring an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar mounted atop the aircraft fuselage. With a range exceeding 550 kilometers (342 miles), the Erieye radar enables the tracking of both airborne and naval targets. 

In June 2022, the Swedish Air Force announced that it would replace the two Saab 340 AEW with two Global 6000 GlobalEye aircraft. On July 19, 2023, Saab received the first of two Bombardier Global 6000 jets that will be equipped with their Airborne Early Warning and Control solution for Sweden. The Swedish GlobalEye fleet is expected to enter into service in 2027. 

鈥淲ith the Gripen fighter, Hungary has one of Europe精东影业 most capable air forces,鈥� said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab. 鈥淲e look forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Hungarian Government and defence industry.鈥� 

This purchase is an amendment to the existing contract between FMV and the Hungarian government, initially signed in December 2001. The original agreement was to acquire 14 Gripen C/D fighters for the Hungarian Air Force.  

The recent contract amendment, signed by the Hungarian Ministry of Defense and FMV on February 23, 2024, will bring Hungary精东影业 total number of Gripen C/D aircraft to 18. Saab will also provide Hungary with upgrades and assistance beyond the year 2035. 

Furthermore, Saab and the Hungarian Ministry of Defense have solidified their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic collaboration aims to enhance fighter aircraft capabilities and strengthen high-tech industrial areas. It also includes plans to establish a Centre of Excellence for VR technologies in Hungary. 

Saab to enhance Gripen C/D capabilities for Sweden

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-10-24

The order, valued at $101.7 million (approximately SEK1 billion), was signed during the fourth quarter of 2023. 

The manufacturing of T-7A aft fuselage systems will take place at Saab’s facility in West Lafayette, Indiana.  

鈥淲hat we are building is the most modern and forward-looking advanced pilot training system on the market and I am confident that this is a programme that will deliver aircraft for many years to come,鈥� Lars Tossman, Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, commented.  

鈥淭his order ensures the ramp-up of serial production to meet both current and future customers’ increased needs,鈥� Tossman added.  

The T-7A Red Hawk is an advanced jet trainer dedicated to training the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots of the USAF. It will replace the older Northrop T-38 Talon twinjet trainer. In 2018, the USAF awarded Boeing a $9.2 billion contract for 351 T-7A advanced trainers. 

The first two T-7A Red Hawks were delivered to USAF bases to conduct flight tests as part of the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the program. The initial T-7A was delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, California, while the second found its home at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.  

Boeing T-7A Red Hawk jet trainer completes first flight with US Air Force: video

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-06-29

The contract, valued at approximately $190 million, covers in-service support and spans three years until 2026. Under the terms of the agreement, Saab will provide the United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAEAF) with comprehensive support services, including maintenance, logistics, and training for the GlobalEye system.  

鈥淭his agreement solidifies Saab精东影业 role in ensuring that GlobalEye remains mission-ready,鈥� says Carl-Johan Bergholm, Head of Saab精东影业 Business Area Surveillance. 鈥淲e look forward to further strengthening our partnership with the UAE Air Force and Air Defence and providing long-term local support.鈥� 

GlobalEye represents an advanced multi-domain AEW&C solution equipped with a diverse set of active and passive sensors. This sophisticated technology enables long-range detection and identification of objects in the air, at sea, and over land. By delivering real-time information to air forces, armies, and navies, GlobalEye enhances situational awareness and facilitates early detection of potential threats, contributing to overall defense capabilities. 

The GlobalEye was specifically designed for the United Arab Emirates Air Force. While the Erieye AEW&C radar system is manufactured by Saab, the aircraft is based on the Canadian-made Bombardier Global Express 6000 business jet. In 2015, the Gulf monarchy ordered three aircraft, before placing a follow-up order for two more in January 2021. The first was delivered on April 29, 2020. 

What makes business jets such great military aircraft?

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2021-12-02

Loganair, the largest regional airline in the United Kingdom, has announced that it will host a to mark the end of almost a quarter-century of SF340 operations on the weekend of January 21/22, 2024.听

In a press release issued by the carrier, it says that the events will be an opportunity for customers and supporters to say goodbye to the trusty turboprop on its final weekend in service.听

Loganair began operating the type following the acquisition of a former Minnesota-based Mesaba Airlines example in July 1999. Over the following 24.5 years, the company has operated 18 different SF340s in total, according to ch-aviation.com. The company has also operated four dedicated freighter SF340s in its history. Additionally, Loganair operated five of the SF340精东影业 larger stablemates, the Saab 2000 between 2014 and 2020.  

However, having slowly been replaced in Loganair with the more modern ATR42-500 and -600 in recent years, the time has come for the SF340s to finally be retired. The type has served the company well over its time with the carrier, connecting remote communities of the Scottish Highlands and the country精东影业 outlying islands with the Scottish nation精东影业 major airport hubs at Glasgow (GLA), Edinburgh (EDI), Dundee (DND) and Aberdeen (ABZ). 

The aircraft also formed the backbone of Loganair’s scheduled trunk route network for many years, serving on routes such as Dundee to London, and from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen to destinations in mainland Europe.听听

The airline currently has just three examples of the 33-seat SF340B remaining in service, with the oldest of these (registered G-LGNJ) being 34.1 years old.  

Not willing the retirement of the type to slip away unnoticed, the airline is arranging a farewell/retirement party for the old-timers at its headquarters in January 2024. 

The retirement events will take place on鈥疛anuary 21 and 22, 2024 at Glasgow Airport. On both days the Saab 340 will undertake several scenic flights taking in the beauty of the west coast of Scotland, subject to weather. Each passenger onboard will be presented with a commemorative gift bag. 

As part of its participation in the GreenSkies environmental program, the airline will plant a tree in the Caledonian Forest as a move to offset the carbon dioxide produced by the special pleasure flights.  

Each flight, costing 拢89 ($107) per passenger, will take off and land at Glasgow Airport, spending 45 minutes touring the west coast of Scotland. The precise routings will be subject to weather conditions on the day and at the captain精东影业 discretion. 

Exclusively, on January 21, the carrier will throw open the doors to its Glasgow maintenance facility for two timed sessions where the public can tour the hangar and meet engineers who have worked on the SF340 during its time at the airline. At least one of the remaining three Saabs is expected to be in the hangar for the open day.  

Hangar visits are priced at 拢25 ($30) with all proceeds from both the hangar events and profits from the scenic flights being donated to Loganair精东影业 charity partner Children精东影业 Hospices Across Scotland.听

鈥淚 very much hope that this celebration will allow us to mark all that has been achieved with the Saab 340 in its formidable run of service with us and create memorable opportunities for many interested folks outside Loganair to take part in these events alongside us too,鈥� said Jonathan Hinkles posting on LinkedIn.  

鈥淎lthough everyone who has flown, maintained, serviced, and managed these aircraft during their 24 years with us has been integral to the building of the modern-day Loganair with the Saab 340, the eight million customers who have flown with us on over 430,000 Saab 340 flights have also been fundamental too, so it精东影业 important that we share this occasion outside Loganair as well,鈥� Hinkles added. 

But the scenic flights and hangar open days are not quite the end of the celebrations as the Saab SF340 heads off to pastures new. Hinkles teased that the airline might have something else up its sleeve. Although both the scenic flights and hangar visits are fast selling out, Hinkles added: 鈥淲e might just have another surprise or two in prospect as part of the celebrations!鈥� 

Stay tuned to 精东影业 in January to discover what those further surprises turn out to be.听

听

Aerol铆neas Argentinas B737-700 rolls in wind gust, hits ground vehicles听

• Aviation Safety

byMiquel Ros

2023-12-17

Worth SEK 579 million ($52 million), this contract is set to “ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness” of the Gripen C/D fleet in Sweden’s defense strategy. 

鈥淭he upgrade of Gripen C/D is an important step in maintaining a high level of operational capability in the turbulent world we live in,鈥� commented Lars Tossman, Head of Saab精东影业 Aeronautics business area. 鈥淚t is also important in order for Gripen C/D to operate beyond 2030. 

Saab did not provide details regarding the new development but stated that the contract entails “designing new development and simulation environments” for the Gripen C/D fighter. The contract also includes supplementary orders for equipment and hardware. 

Furthermore, Saab will work on designing new support systems to facilitate the harmonization of the older Gripen C/D with the newer Gripen E, streamlining operations for the Swedish Air Force. 

Alongside the Gripen C/D, the Swedish Air Force is expected to receive 60 JAS 39 E/F jets, the latest variant of the fighter, by 2027.  

The JAS 39 Gripen is a single-engine multirole fighter jet manufactured by Sweden’s Saab. Developed in the 1980s, it was designed to operate from austere areas with as little infrastructure as possible. 

The development of the Gripen E fighter jet started in 2011 and, compared to the older C model, features a new, more powerful General Electric RM16 engine, a new radar system, avionics, and weapon systems. 

In addition to Sweden, Brazil also signed an agreement with Saab in 2014 for the development and production of 36 Gripen E/F aircraft for the FAB.听

Saab begins deliveries of serial Gripen E fighter jets

• Defense

byValius Venckunas

2021-11-26