Sweden is practising more dispersed operations with its Black Hawk helicopters. (Swedish Ministry of Defence)
Swedish Air Force (SwAF) Commander Major General Jonas Wikman outlined his service's procurement plans on the eve of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 held from 22 to 26 July. He told journalists including from Janes attending a Swedish Air Force Fan Club event on 21 July that decisions would be taken soon on the procurement of deep strike missiles and a C-130H replacement.
He said Swedish membership in NATO allowed the SwAF to develop deep strike capabilities. Regarding the replacement of the SwAF's C-130Hs, the oldest C-130s in Europe, Maj Gen Wikman hoped for a political decision soon between the C-130 and C-390.
He noted that Sweden's NH90 troop transport helicopters would be retired in 2024 and the maritime versions by 2030. In the meantime, the Black Hawk helicopters that are replacing the NH90s are practising more dispersed use, he said.
Maj Gen Wikman spoke of the introduction of electronic warfare capabilities for the Gripen E, also for NATO, and the development of a manned-unmanned concept.
He is looking forward to phase 1–2 training of pilots on the Grob G120TP in Sweden and phase 3–4 training in Italy. Swedish pilot training takes place in the US for transport helicopters and in Germany for helicopters, Maj Gen Wikman noted.
He expressed Sweden's long-term commitment to Ukraine, with the transfer of two ASC 890 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and battle decisive munitions.
For more information on Sweden's Black Hawk procurement, please seeSweden signs for additional Black Hawk helicopters .
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