Poland Takes Delivery of Second Saab 340 AEW Platform Warsaw, Poland – The Polish Armed Forces have received the second Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platform, further enhancing their air surveillance capabilities. The aircraft, known as “Aleksy”, arrived at the 16th Air Transport Base in Powidz on March 21, 2023. The Saab 340 AEW is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft equipped with a 360-degree active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar mounted on the dorsal fuselage. The system provides real-time air situation awareness, target detection, and identification to command and control centers. The Polish Air Force operates four Saab 340 AEW aircraft, with the first aircraft delivered in 2012. The platforms have proven their effectiveness in various operations, including NATO exercises and airspace surveillance missions. The acquisition of the second Saab 340 AEW strengthens Poland’s ability to maintain aerial superiority and protect its airspace from potential threats. The aircraft will be integrated into the country’s air surveillance network, providing enhanced situational awareness and coordinating responses to air threats. “The delivery of the second Saab 340 AEW platform is a significant milestone for our air force,” said Lieutenant General Mirosław Jemielniak, commander of the Polish Air Force. “This addition to our fleet will significantly enhance our surveillance capabilities and enable us to better safeguard our airspace.” Saab, the Swedish defense and security technology company, has been a key partner in providing AEW platforms to Poland. The company has a longstanding track record of innovation and expertise in airborne surveillance systems. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Polish Air Force,” said Jonas Hjelm, senior vice president and head of business area Surveillance at Saab. “The delivery of the second Saab 340 AEW platform is a testament to our commitment to providing advanced and reliable defense solutions.” The addition of the second Saab 340 AEW platform marks a significant step forward in Poland’s efforts to modernize its air surveillance capabilities and ensure the security of its airspace.Poland Receives Second Saab 340 AEW&C Aircraft, Enhancing Air Defense Capabilities
Poland Receives Second Saab 340 AEW&C Aircraft, Enhancing Air Defense Capabilities To address gaps in airborne early warning, Poland has acquired a second Saab 340 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Command) aircraft, which arrived at the 43rd Naval Air Base in Gdynia on June 10, 2024. This follows the delivery of the first aircraft in March. The Saab 340 is a Swedish-made platform designed for airborne surveillance and command, significantly boosting Poland’s situational awareness capabilities. The aircraft can detect aerial threats, including low-level ones like cruise missiles and UAVs, at long ranges. This acquisition is crucial amid heightened tensions in the region due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Recent incidents involving Russian and Ukrainian missiles and Belarusian aircraft entering Polish airspace underscored the need for advanced AEW&C platforms. Poland’s investment in AEW&C aircraft strengthens NATO’s air defense capabilities on the eastern flank. The two aircraft provide operational flexibility, allowing for continuous surveillance and enhanced response to threats. To further bolster its air sensor capabilities, Poland is also acquiring aerostats in addition to the Saab 340 fleet. The US has approved a $1.2 billion deal for Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance (ASRR) Aerostat systems. Sweden, too, has donated a Saab 340B AEW&C aircraft to Ukraine as part of a broader military aid package. The Saab 340 has become increasingly common in Central-Eastern Europe, with Sweden donating additional aircraft carriers and artillery ammunition to Ukraine.
Poland has taken delivery of its second Saab 340 AEW (Airborne Early Warning) platform. The aircraft, which was delivered to the Polish Air Force on December 15, 2022, is part of a contract for four Saab 340 AEW aircraft signed in 2016. The Saab 340 AEW is a modified version of the Saab 340 regional airliner, equipped with a Saab Erieye radar system. The aircraft is designed to provide early warning of airborne threats, as well as to perform surveillance and command and control missions. The Polish Air Force is expected to operate the Saab 340 AEW aircraft from its 8th Tactical Air Base in Powidz. The aircraft will replace the Polish Air Force’s aging fleet of Soviet-era Antonov An-26 transports, which have been in service since the 1970s. The Saab 340 AEW is a significant upgrade for the Polish Air Force, and will provide the service with a modern and effective airborne early warning capability. The aircraft will also enhance Poland’s interoperability with NATO allies, as it is compatible with other NATO AEW systems. The delivery of the second Saab 340 AEW platform is a major milestone for Poland’s air defence modernization program. The Polish Air Force is also in the process of acquiring new fighter jets, including F-16 Fighting Falcons and F-35 Lightning IIs. These new aircraft will significantly enhance Poland’s air combat capabilities and help to deter potential threats.
