Saab 2000 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft

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The Saab 2000 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, under development to meet an order from Pakistan, looks like the S100B Argus, in service for ten years in Sweden, but it's almost completely new. It is based on the bigger and faster Saab 2000. The radar array looks the same, but has new-generation transmit-receive modules that pump out 60 per cent more power.

With a bigger cabin and five operator stations, the 2000 AEW is a self-contained command and control platform (the S100B radar is operated from the ground). Its Saab Avitronics HES-21 electronic warfare suite provides electronic support measures (ESM) functions to detect and identify targets, and a strong self-protection capability with missile approach warning functions, active jamming and a truckload of chaff and flare cartridges.

Installation of the self-defense system reflects the fact that the AEW aircraft is a high-value asset which could be targeted by terrorists or special forces as well as by hostile fighters and ships, and that its missions today - counter-drug or counter-piracy operations, coalition battles, or air cover for civilian events or high-level conferences - can take it almost anywhere...