Poland celebrated the official reception of the initial Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft, marking a significant milestone in bolstering its aerial surveillance capabilities. The delivery ceremony, held at an airbase in Gdynia, coincided with the visit of Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson on March 4, 2024. Discussions during the visit encompassed a broad spectrum of topics, including defense collaboration between Sweden and Poland, and continued support for Ukraine. The procurement of two second-hand Saab 340 radar reconnaissance aircraft from Sweden and Saab, finalized in July 2023, is valued at SEK 600 million (€52 million) over the contract period from 2023 to 2025. This acquisition encompasses not only the aircraft themselves but also essential ground equipment, in-country logistics, and comprehensive support services, underscoring Poland’s commitment to enhancing its defense capabilities. Poland’s acquisition of the Saab 340 AEW aircraft signifies a significant step forward in enhancing its aerial surveillance capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to national defense and regional security.
The Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, a variant of the Saab 340, boasts impressive specifications tailored for airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) missions. With dimensions of 19.73 meters in length and a wingspan of 21.44 meters, the aircraft is powered by a GE CT7-5A2 engine, delivering maximum cruise speeds ranging between 271kt (502km/h) and 283kt (524km/h), depending on the variant. Extended wing tips in select versions extend the wingspan to 22.75 meters, enhancing its operational capabilities. Equipped with advanced Erieye radar technology, the Saab 340 AEW offers a comprehensive situational overview suitable for military and civilian operations alike. The radar system, known as Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASC) 890 in Sweden, utilizes active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, enabling dynamic adjustment of radar energy for optimal performance in various scenarios. Its effective surveillance range spans over 500,000km² horizontally and extends vertically to more than 60,000ft, ensuring robust detection and tracking capabilities across diverse environments.
Furthermore, Saab’s Erieye AEW/AEW&C system has garnered international acclaim, with nine countries adopting it in various configurations, attesting to its effectiveness and versatility in airborne surveillance missions. From detecting and tracking fighter aircraft to monitoring sea targets as small as jet skis, the Erieye radar system offers unparalleled situational awareness, making it a cornerstone of modern airborne surveillance capabilities. In addition to its advanced technological features, the Saab 340 AEW aircraft inherits the reputation of its passenger variant, renowned for its flexibility, comfort, and reliability. Despite the cessation of production in 1999, the aircraft’s robust design and state-of-the-art features ensure it remains a formidable asset in both military and civilian domains. With PPG windshields, cockpit windows, and Goodrich patented FASTboot® pneumatic de-ice boots, the Saab 340 AEW is equipped to withstand challenging operational environments, guaranteeing seamless integration and enhanced protection against adverse weather conditions.
