In the face of increasing regional tensions, Greece relies on the Erieye EMB-145H AEW&C for real-time airspace surveillance and tactical coordination. Mounted on an Embraer ERJ-145 and developed by Saab, this airborne system features an advanced AESA radar with a range of up to 450 km, potentially extended to 550 km with planned upgrades. Capable of detecting drones, aircraft, missiles, and naval targets, Erieye transforms the battlespace by providing continuous situational awareness over the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean.
Integrated with NATO’s Link 11 and Link 16 networks, the system enables real-time tracking, mission planning, and interception guidance. Discover how this AEW&C platform acts as a critical command node and force multiplier for Greece’s national defense.
The Erieye EMB-145H AEW&C airborne surveillance system, developed by Saab and mounted on the Brazilian Embraer ERJ-145 platform, plays a central role in Greece’s air defense architecture. In a context where information dominance and rapid decision-making are as critical as technological superiority, this system is a true force multiplier. It eliminates the element of surprise for friendly air forces while significantly enhancing their ability to monitor and intercept threats in real time.
The Erieye EMB-145H is equipped with an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar operating in the S-band, mounted along the upper fuselage in a lateral configuration. This pulse-Doppler radar provides 300-degree coverage and enables the detection of targets at ranges of up to 450 km, including high-altitude aircraft, small drones, cruise missiles, and surface vessels.
Key system functions include airspace surveillance, target detection and prioritization, and maritime monitoring via a suite of onboard sensors. The system also features an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) interrogator and electronic support measures (ESM), enhancing target recognition and classification capabilities.
One of the Erieye EMB-145H’s critical components is its embedded command and control (C2) system. It offers full mission planning, air traffic control support, reconnaissance functions, and automated interception planning. The C2 suite enables the real-time display of a coherent air and maritime picture by integrating radar and sensor data. Operators can define alert zones, confirm interception points, and assign tasks to units, significantly improving tactical responsiveness.
Interoperability with NATO forces is ensured through Link 11 and Link 16 data links. The Link 16 network provides dynamic real-time visualization of friendly aircraft positions, speeds, altitudes, weapon loadouts, and fuel status. It also enables mission assignments and engagement feedback, enhancing decision-making, reducing reaction time, and improving command-level operational oversight.
In the geopolitical context of the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, Erieye allows Greece to maintain continuous radar coverage in areas regularly affected by unidentified flights and naval activities. The system supports both deterrence and regional monitoring through persistent surveillance.
A proposed upgrade would increase detection range beyond 550 km, improve radar resolution, enhances detection of low-observable targets such as drones and missiles, and introduce a more intuitive human-machine interface with higher automation.
Saab has also expressed its commitment to cooperating with the Greek defense industry for such an upgrade.
A Follow-on Support Contract (FOS) for the Mission System would ensure sustained system availability.
In conclusion, the modernized Erieye EMB-145H AEW&C system goes beyond the role of an airborne radar platform. It acts as a comprehensive airborne command and coordination node, offering strategic-level situational awareness and operational planning tools. In an increasingly contested airspace environment, shaped by emerging aerial threats, such a system provides a vital element of national sovereignty, resilience, and credible defense posture.
Latest News
- I saw one of those fly above me when my family was driving from Tripoli to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport
- esos airbus 145 sirven para colombia que traigan misiles y sirvan para transporte tropas y cargas y fabriquen misiles hipersonicos grafeno y nuevos blindajes grafeno
- That 160M okay full as Attack Heli but that once only for Armee no, together with I hope Germany not buy that ,better buy the Atak 2 929T from Turkey perfekt together with that yes alone that smal without Drohne Armee like Germany
- Surtain countries have grounded these NH90 helicopers. Saying they problematic. And parts are hard to get on time.. they spend more time in the service bay than in the air. Unreliable
Posts
