OVERVIEW: The Gulfstream G550 AEW operated by Singapore is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft equipped with conformal radar for long-range airspace surveillance. It entered service in 2010 with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) as a replacement for the E-2C Hawkeye.

DETAILS: The RSAF’s G550 AEW is based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet platform, modified under a defense collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elta Systems. It is fitted with the EL/W-2085 AESA radar system, which uses conformal radar arrays mounted along the fuselage to provide 360-degree airspace coverage. The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce BR710C4-11 turbofan engines, reaches speeds of Mach 0.85, and has a range of over 12,500 km. The platform offers high-altitude, long-endurance AEW operations with real-time battle management and surveillance capabilities.

The Singaporean G550 AEW features multi-operator mission systems and secure communications integrated into the radar system to detect and track multiple aerial targets at long range. Its compact design offers improved deployment speed and lower operational footprint compared to legacy AEW&C platforms. The radar and systems are interoperable with regional defense networks and support coalition operations.

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

FUNCTION: Provides 360-degree detection and tracking of airborne threats to support airspace control, early warning, and tactical coordination. Its endurance and high-altitude capability allow persistent surveillance and rapid response in regional defense operations.

NOTE:
IOC: 2003 (G550 base model), 2010 (G550 AEW for Singapore)
Manufacturer: Gulfstream Aerospace (USA), radar system by IAI/Elta (Israel)
Operators: Singapore
Conflict used in: Regional surveillance and peacetime air defense (from 2010)

SOURCE:
Republic of Singapore Air Force: https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/rsaf ; Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI): https://www.iai.co.il/p/ELW-2085 ; Elta Systems: https://www.iai.co.il/group/elta-systems ; FlightGlobal World Air Forces: https://www.flightglobal.com/world-air-forces