OVERVIEW: The S 102B Korpen is a Swedish signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft based on the Gulfstream G-IV SP platform. It entered service in 1997 to perform airborne electronic surveillance and intelligence gathering for the Swedish Armed Forces and National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA).

DETAILS: The Korpen is equipped with a suite of passive ELINT/SIGINT systems housed in a ventral canoe fairing, with additional antennas mounted on the nose, wingtips, and tail for wide-spectrum signal detection. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce Tay turbofan engines, cruises at approximately Mach 0.85, and operates at altitudes up to 45,000 ft with a range over 7,000 km. The crew includes pilots and signal operators who analyze emissions from radar, communication, and weapon systems in real time. Its internal configuration includes dedicated mission consoles, secure communications, and data-link systems for direct relay of intelligence.

The two aircraft (serials 102002 and 102003), known as "Hugin" and "Munin", replaced the older TP 85 Caravelle and are operated by the 73rd SIGINT Squadron under the 74th Special Aviation Squadron. Missions are routinely flown over the Baltic Sea, Eastern Europe, and other areas of interest, supporting both national and international surveillance objectives.

TYPE: SIGINT Reconnaissance Aircraft

FUNCTION: Provides long-range, high-altitude signals intelligence collection by intercepting radar, navigation, and electronic emissions for strategic situational awareness and defense planning.

NOTE:
IOC: 1997
Manufacturer: Gulfstream Aerospace (USA), modified by Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV)
Operators: Sweden
Conflict used in: Baltic and Eastern European ISR missions; NATO support over Libya (2011); Mediterranean and Baltic patrols (2020–2024)

SOURCE:
Försvarsmakten: https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/information-och-fakta/materiel-och-teknik/luft/s-102-b/ ; AirVectors: https://www.airvectors.net/avgulf_1.html ; AviationMilitaires.net: https://aviationsmilitaires.net/v3/kb/aircraft/show/1706/s-102b-korpen ; The Aviationist: https://theaviationist.com ; Spyflight: https://spyflight.co.uk/aircraft/