OVERVIEW: The Gulfstream G550 AEW operated by Italy is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft equipped with advanced radar and battle management systems. Entering service in 2016, it enhances national and NATO airspace surveillance, command, and situational awareness capabilities.

DETAILS: The Italian Air Force acquired two G550-based AEW&C platforms through collaboration with Israel, using a mission system based on the EL/W-2085 conformal airborne early warning radar suite developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elta Systems. The aircraft integrates L-band active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for 360-degree airspace coverage, offering detection and tracking of both conventional and low-RCS aerial targets. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710C4-11 turbofan engines, the G550 cruises at Mach 0.85 and has a range of over 12,500 km. The platform supports high-altitude, long-endurance missions essential for early warning, intercept vectoring, and airspace control.

The Italian configuration includes conformal radar arrays along the fuselage, multiple mission operator stations, and secure communication and datalink systems. Its radar and C4I integration allow seamless interoperability with NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) architecture. The aircraft provides a lighter, faster alternative to larger AEW platforms, with increased responsiveness and reduced operational cost.

TYPE: Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Aircraft

FUNCTION: Detects, tracks, and relays information on airborne targets to support airspace control, battle management, and tactical coordination. Its range and sensor coverage make it suited for NATO-aligned joint operations and rapid regional response.

NOTE:
IOC: 2003 (G550 base model), 2016 (Italian G550 AEW)
Manufacturer: Gulfstream Aerospace (USA), radar system by IAI/Elta (Israel)
Operators: Italy
Conflict used in: NATO surveillance and air policing operations (from 2016)

SOURCE:
Italian Air Force: https://www.aeronautica.difesa.it ; Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI): https://www.iai.co.il/p/ELW-2085 ; Elta Systems: https://www.iai.co.il/group/elta-systems ; NATO: https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/topics_48892.htm