Saab upgrading AEW&C system

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LINKOPING, Sweden, March 1 (UPI) -- Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has given a $59 million contract to Saab of Sweden to upgrade Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control systems.

The Erieye are used on Embraer's 145 AEW&C aircraft, which it is modernizing for the Brazilian air force. Brazil uses the 145 for air and border surveillance.

"Saab's Erieye AEW&C Mission system provides excellent surveillance capabilities and control over air and sea targets," said Micael Johansson, head of Saab's Electronic Defense Systems business area. "We are very proud to supply these systems to Brazil where it plays an important role in national security."

Saab said deliveries of the upgrade will begin next year and will continue until 2017.

The first Erieye AEW&C Mission System became operational on the Embraer aircraft in 2002. It was installed on Swedish air force planes in 1997 and is in use in Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

Saab said the system is also installed on Saab 2000 aircraft that it is delivering to Pakistan.