Erieye
| Industry | Defence, Electronics |
|---|---|
| Predecessor | Ericsson Microwave Systems |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Headquarters | Sweden |
| Products | Erieye radar system, AEW&C solutions |
The Erieye radar system represents an AEW&C solution engineered by Saab Electronic Defence Systems, previously known as Ericsson Microwave Systems, based in Sweden. This system employs active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology. It has been integrated into several aircraft types, including the Saab 340 and Embraer R-99. More recentlyTemplate:When, the Erieye radar has been installed on the Bombardier Global 6000 platform, designated as the GlobalEye.
A vital element of the Erieye system is the Erieye Ground Interface Segment (EGIS), which should not be confused with the Aegis combat system. EGIS constitutes a key part of the radar’s operational software.
The radar offers nearly complete 300-degree coverage with an effective range of up to 450 km. In challenging electronic warfare conditions—characterized by heavy radar clutter and low-flying targets—its detection capability extends to approximately 350 km. The system supports identification friend or foe (IFF) functions and includes a dedicated sea surveillance mode.
Moreover, the Erieye system is fully compatible with NATO air defense command and control infrastructures.
History
In 1985, the Swedish Defence Material Administration commissioned Ericsson Microwave Systems to develop what would evolve into the PS-890 Erieye AEW radar. That same year, a prototype dual-sided phased array antenna was tested aboard a twin-engine Fairchild Metro aircraft. By 1987, this Metro was equipped with the radar for flight evaluations. Production commenced in 1993 with six radars intended for installation in Swedish Air Force Saab 340 aircraft. The first two production units were delivered in 1996. The name "Erieye" derives from "Ericsson eye."
Pakistan
On August 16, 2012, nine militants from the Tehrik-e-Taliban launched an attack on PAF Base Minhas around 2 am. After intense combat, all nine attackers were neutralized, while two Pakistani security personnel lost their lives. During this assault, one Saab 2000 Erieye aircraft was reportedly destroyed, with another possibly damaged along with one or two additional planes.
Design
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The Erieye AEW&C radar system is an active phased-array, pulse-Doppler sensor designed to provide data either directly to onboard operators or via a linked datalink to a ground-based air defense network. Its antenna consists of a large, dual-sided array housed within a dorsal 'plank' fairing. This antenna remains fixed in position while the beam is electronically steered, offering superior detection and tracking capabilities compared to traditional radome-mounted radar antennas.
Capable of detecting and monitoring both aerial and maritime targets up to the horizon—and occasionally beyond due to anomalous propagation—the system's effective range has been recorded at approximately 450 kilometres (280 mi). For fighter-sized targets, typical detection extends to around 350 kilometres (220 mi) within a 150° broadside coverage on both sides of the platform. Performance diminishes notably outside these sectors, particularly in the forward and rearward directions.
Additional capabilities of the system include adaptive waveform generation with digital, phase-coded pulse compression, advanced signal processing and target tracking, track-while-scan (TWS) functionality, consistently low side lobe levels across its angular coverage, operation in low- and medium-pulse repetition frequency modes, frequency agility, as well as dedicated air-to-air and maritime surveillance modes. The system also provides target radar cross-section visualization.
Operating as a medium- to high-pulse repetition frequency solid-state pulse-Doppler radar within the E/F-band (around 3 GHz), it incorporates 192 two-way transmit/receive modules that form a pencil beam. This beam can be electronically directed within the 150° sector on either side of the aircraft, though only one side is active at any given time. The Erieye has limited detection capability in the approximately 30° sectors directly ahead and behind the aircraft's heading but lacks tracking functionality in these areas.
Erieye
The Erieye mission system employs the PS-890 AESA radar, utilizing transceiver modules fabricated from gallium arsenide (GaAs) semiconductors.
Known variants include:
- The Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner, which served as the initial test platform for the Erieye system.
- The Saab 340 AEW, introduced in 1997 with several sub-variants.
- The Saab 340B AEW, designated FSR 890 and referred to as the S 100B Argus within the Swedish Air Force, entered operational service in 1997. It functioned primarily as a radar platform transmitting data to the STRIL (Stridsledning och luftbevakning) combat control and air surveillance system.
- The Saab 340B AEW&C-300, designated ASC 890 and known as the S 100D Argus in Swedish service, represents an upgraded version of two S100B aircraft modified for multinational operations. This modernization transformed the Erieye into a command-and-control platform compatible with NATO standards, featuring three mission consoles.
- The Embraer E-99, based on the Embraer ERJ 145 regional jet, is operated by multiple air forces.
- The Saab 2000 AEW&C variant utilizes the Saab 2000 turboprop regional aircraft as its base platform. These aircraft were originally employed in civilian airline service before being converted for military airborne early warning roles.
Erieye ER
The Erieye ER represents the most advanced iteration of the radar and mission system. It features an AESA radar, with its transceiver components constructed using GaN semiconductors (gallium nitride).
This radar platform is integrated with:
- The GlobalEye, which first took to the skies in 2018 and entered operational service in 2020. It is built upon the Bombardier Global 6000 long-range business jet. Within the Swedish Air Force, it carries the designation S106. Alongside the Erieye ER radar, the GlobalEye is equipped with a FLIR Systems Star Safire 380HD sensor and a Leonardo Seaspray 7500E surface surveillance radar.
- The Embraer E-99M, which made its inaugural flight in 2019 and has been active since 2020. This platform is based on the Embraer ERJ 145 regional commercial jet.
Operators
Saab 340 AEW
- File:Flag of Poland.svg Poland (2 Saab 340B AEW)
- In 2023, the Polish Air Force acquired two pre-owned Saab 340B AEW aircraft from Saab for €52 million. These two planes were delivered during 2024.
- Originally, these aircraft were owned by Sweden and later operated by the United Arab Emirates. Following the UAE's procurement of additional GlobalEye systems, these planes were returned to Saab in 2020.
- File:Flag of Thailand.svg Thailand (2 FSR 890)
- The Royal Thai Air Force obtained two second-hand Saab 340B AEW (FSR 890) units from the Swedish Air Force, with one delivered in 2010 and the other in 2013.
- In March 2024, Thailand revealed a wishlist including a modernized Erieye system. Subsequently, in June 2025, alongside their decision to acquire Gripen E/F fighters, Thailand announced plans to upgrade their Erieye fleet at a cost of approximately USD $140 million.
- File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden (2 ASC890)
- The Swedish Armed Forces placed an order for six Saab 340B AEW (FSR 890 / S 100B Argus) aircraft in 1992. Four were permanently outfitted with Erieye mission radars, while two served as transport planes during peacetime.
- Saab upgraded two of these six aircraft to the ASC890 (S100D) standard, which entered service in 2010.
- Two FSR 890 aircraft were sold to the UAE Air Force, while two others were delivered to Thailand in 2010 and 2013 respectively.
- In May 2024, Sweden authorized the export of two ASC890 units to Ukraine. During 2024-2025, one ASC890 has been deployed for surveillance operations, while another is being used to train Ukrainian personnel ahead of its transfer.
- Template:Country data Ukraine (2 ASC890 pending delivery)
- The export approval granted by Sweden in May 2024 covers two ASC890 aircraft destined for Ukraine.
Saab 2000 AEW
- Template:Country data Pakistan (9 currently operational)
- Procurement:
- Initially, 6 units were ordered in October 2005; however, this number was reduced to 4 aircraft in 2006 due to budget constraints caused by the 2005 earthquake.[1] Cite error: The opening
<ref>tag is malformed or has a bad name - An additional batch of 3 aircraft was requested in 2017, with deliveries commencing from 2020.[2]
- In May 2020, Pakistan placed an order for 3 more Saab 2000 AEW&C planes.Cite error: The opening
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- Initially, 6 units were ordered in October 2005; however, this number was reduced to 4 aircraft in 2006 due to budget constraints caused by the 2005 earthquake.[1] Cite error: The opening
- Maintenance:
- Following damage sustained during an attack, two out of three affected aircraft were restored between 2015 and 2016.Cite error: The opening
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- Following damage sustained during an attack, two out of three affected aircraft were restored between 2015 and 2016.Cite error: The opening
- Aircraft losses:
- One aircraft was lost and subsequently written off after a terrorist assault on PAF Base Minhas in 2012.Cite error: The opening
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- One aircraft was lost and subsequently written off after a terrorist assault on PAF Base Minhas in 2012.Cite error: The opening
- Template:Country data Saudi Arabia (2 units)
- Saudi Arabia procured two Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft around 2014, following an order placed in 2010.Cite error: The opening
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Embraer E-99
- Template:Country data Brazil (5 E-99M variants)
- The Brazilian Air Force operates five ERJ-145 AEW aircraft as of 2025.Cite error: The opening
<ref>tag is malformed or has a bad name - The initial acquisition included five Erieye radar and mission systems delivered between July 2002 and December 2003.[3]
- These aircraft underwent upgrades incorporating the Erieye-ER radar and mission system, resulting in the current designation Embraer E-99M.Cite error: The opening
<ref>tag is malformed or has a bad name - File:Flag of Greece.svg Greece (4 E-99 units)
- Greece received four ERJ-145 AEW aircraft between December 2003 and May 2005. These remain active within the Hellenic Air Force as of 2025, equipped with the Erieye radar and mission system.[3]Cite error: The opening
<ref>tag is malformed or has a bad name - Template:Country data Mexico (1 E-99)
- One ERJ-145 AEW was delivered to Mexico in June 2004 and continues to serve in the Mexican Air Force as of 2025, utilizing the Erieye radar and mission system.[3]Cite error: The opening
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GlobalEye
- File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden (3 units ordered)
- In June 2022, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) placed an order for two GlobalEye aircraft valued at SEK 7.3 billion (approximately USD $710 million as of June 2022). The agreement also includes options to procure two more aircraft.
- By June 2024, an option for an additional GlobalEye was exercised, with the contract estimated at SEK 2.6 billion (around USD $240 million as of June 2024).
- In October 2024, FMV entered into a new contract to expedite the delivery schedule of the GlobalEye platform, following Sweden’s decision to provide the ASC 890 radar system to Ukraine.
- Template:Country data United Arab Emirates (5 units operational)
- The United Arab Emirates currently operates five GlobalEye aircraft.
- Procurement details:
- An initial order for three units was placed in 2015, valued at $1.27 billion, which included an option for two more aircraft.
- Subsequently, in January 2021, a formal order for two additional GlobalEye units was confirmed, worth approximately USD $1 billion. The intention to exercise this option had been announced earlier in November 2019.
- Delivery timeline:
- The first aircraft was delivered in April 2020.
- The second unit followed in September 2020.
- The third was received in February 2021.
- The fourth GlobalEye arrived in April 2024.
- The fifth and final aircraft was delivered in August 2024.
Saab 340 AEW
- Template:Country data United Arab Emirates
- In 2009, the United Arab Emirates procured two Saab 340 AEW aircraft, previously operated by the Swedish Air Force, for a total contract value of 1.5 billion SEK.