The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has ordered for two Saab 340 AEW, airborne early warning systems fitted with advanced Erieye radar system.

The $219m (1.5bn SEK) contract also includes ground equipment as well as logistics and support services.

The airborne surveillance systems can be used to monitor a country’s airspace, borders and territorial waters, and can also be used in concert with border control and rescue operations.

Saab’s CEO Åke Svensson said that the company has been conducting discussions with the UAE for several years concerning an airborne surveillance system.