Poland Bolsters Air Surveillance with Second Saab 340 AEW Platform Poland has taken delivery of its second Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platform, significantly enhancing its air surveillance capabilities. The aircraft is part of a defense modernization program aimed at strengthening Poland’s national security. The Saab 340 AEW platform is equipped with a state-of-the-art Erieye ER radar system, which provides 360-degree surveillance coverage. The radar can detect and track airborne threats, including aircraft, drones, and missiles, at long ranges. The aircraft is also equipped with an integrated communication suite, allowing it to operate in a network-centric environment. This enables the Saab 340 AEW to share information with other air assets, ground control stations, and command centers. The delivery of the second Saab 340 AEW platform marks a significant milestone in Poland’s defense modernization efforts. The aircraft will join the Polish Air Force’s existing fleet of C-295 transport aircraft, which have been upgraded with mission systems to enhance their surveillance capabilities. The Saab 340 AEW platform is designed to provide Poland with real-time situational awareness, early warning against aerial threats, and support for air defense operations. The aircraft’s advanced capabilities will contribute to the country’s overall air sovereignty and security. Poland is expected to receive a total of four Saab 340 AEW platforms, which will be operated by the 18th Air Squadron based at Poznań-Krzesiny Air Base. The aircraft will replace the country’s aging fleet of An-26 surveillance aircraft. The acquisition of the Saab 340 AEW platform is a testament to Poland’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces and enhancing its ability to defend its airspace. The aircraft will provide the Polish Air Force with a significant advantage in air surveillance and situational awareness.Polish Air Force Receives Second Saab 340 AEW&C Aircraft
Polish Air Force Receives Second Saab 340 AEW&C Aircraft Introduction Poland has acquired a second Polish Saab 340 AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning & Command) aircraft to enhance its airspace monitoring capabilities. The aircraft, delivered on June 10, 2024, joins the first example received in March, strengthening the Polish Air Force’s ability to respond effectively to potential threats. Filling the Airborne Early Warning Gap The acquisition of these AEW platforms was made to address Poland’s need for enhanced airborne early warning capabilities. With the ongoing war in Ukraine, advanced AEW platforms are crucial for air policing, especially in light of recent incidents involving Russian and Ukrainian missiles and Belarusian aircraft entering Polish airspace. Increased Situational Awareness The Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft provide Poland with enhanced situational awareness, enabling them to detect aerial threats at long ranges, including low-level threats such as cruise missiles and UAVs. This capability is essential for effective air defense. NATO Integration and Operational Flexibility Poland’s purchase of these AEW platforms strengthens the capabilities of NATO’s AWACS fleet, which guards the airspace on the eastern flank. Two aircraft provide sufficient operational flexibility to meet Poland’s needs, providing airborne radar capabilities to detect threats effectively. Aerostat Purchases for Further Enhancement To further improve its airborne sensor capabilities, Poland is also acquiring aerostats in this area. This includes a recent US State Department approval for the purchase of $1.2 billion worth of Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance (ASRR) Aerostat systems. Swedish Donation to Ukraine In addition to Poland’s own acquisitions, Sweden has also donated a Saab 340B AEW&C aircraft to Ukraine, further expanding the availability of these platforms in Central-Eastern Europe. Conclusion The Polish Air Force’s acquisition of two Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft significantly enhances its airspace monitoring capabilities and strengthens its ability to respond to potential threats. These platforms play a vital role in ensuring the security of Poland and the region, integrating with NATO’s AWACS fleet and receiving support from Sweden.
Poland has taken delivery of its second Saab 340 AEW platform. The aircraft was handed over during a ceremony at the Saab facility in Linköping, Sweden, on 13 December. The Saab 340 AEW is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft based on the Saab 340 regional airliner. It is equipped with the Erieye ER radar, which provides 360-degree coverage and can detect targets up to 450 kilometers away. The Polish Air Force ordered four Saab 340 AEW aircraft in 2016. The first aircraft was delivered in November 2022, and the remaining two aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in 2024. The Saab 340 AEW will replace the Polish Air Force’s aging fleet of PZL W-3 Sokół AEW aircraft. The Saab 340 AEW is a more capable platform, and it will provide the Polish Air Force with improved situational awareness and air defense capabilities.
