Poland Enhances Air Surveillance Capabilities with Second Saab 340 AEW Platform

Poland Enhances Air Surveillance Capabilities with Second Saab 340 AEW Platform Warsaw, Poland – The Polish Ministry of Defense has taken delivery of its second Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) platform, significantly enhancing the country’s air surveillance capabilities. The aircraft arrived at the 12th Tactical Air Base in Mirosławiec, where it will join the first platform acquired in 2013. The Saab 340 AEW is a specialized airborne surveillance platform equipped with an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The radar system provides 360-degree coverage, allowing the aircraft to detect and track airborne threats at extended ranges. The platform also features a mission system that integrates data from multiple sensors, such as electronic support measures and identification friend or foe (IFF), to provide a comprehensive situational awareness picture. The acquisition of the second Saab 340 AEW expands the Polish Air Force’s ability to monitor its airspace, enhance early warning capabilities, and contribute to air defense operations. The aircraft will play a crucial role in protecting Poland’s borders, detecting and responding to potential threats, and ensuring the security of the nation’s airspace. “The Saab 340 AEW platforms provide us with a game-changing capability that significantly strengthens our surveillance and defense capabilities,” said Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defense of Poland. “By acquiring a second platform, we are doubling our capacity and expanding our coverage area, ensuring that we can effectively monitor our airspace and respond to any potential threats.” The Saab 340 AEW has proven its capabilities in service with several air forces worldwide, including South Africa, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. The aircraft is known for its exceptional performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance. The Polish Air Force has extensive experience operating the platform, having successfully integrated it into its air defense system and conducting numerous exercises and missions. “We are proud to deliver the second Saab 340 AEW platform to the Polish Air Force, further strengthening our partnership and supporting their commitment to ensuring the defense and security of their nation,” said Håkan Buskhe, President and CEO of Saab. “The platform will play a pivotal role in Poland’s air surveillance and defense operations, providing real-time situational awareness and early warning capabilities.” The acquisition of the second Saab 340 AEW platform marks a significant milestone in Poland’s efforts to enhance its air defense capabilities. The platform will contribute to the country’s overall security posture and enable the Polish Air Force to effectively protect its airspace and deter potential threats.The Polish Air Force has acquired a second Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, which will enhance Poland’s airspace monitoring capabilities. The aircraft arrived at the 43rd Naval Air Base in Gdynia on June 10, 2024.The Polish Air Force has acquired a second Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, which will enhance Poland’s airspace monitoring capabilities. The aircraft arrived at the 43rd Naval Air Base in Gdynia on June 10, 2024. Poland purchased two second-hand AEW platforms from Sweden, along with ground support equipment, a logistics support package, and maintenance support, for a total cost of EUR 52 million. This acquisition increases Poland’s situational awareness and air policing capabilities, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and recent incidents involving Russian and Ukrainian missiles and Belarusian aircraft entering Polish airspace. The Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft provides airborne radar capabilities that can detect aerial threats, including low-level cruise missiles and UAVs, at long ranges. This complements Poland’s ground-based sensors and strengthens NATO’s AWACS fleet on the eastern flank. In addition to the Saab 340 AEW&C, Poland is also purchasing aerostats to further improve its airborne sensor capabilities. The US State Department recently approved a $1.2 billion deal for Poland to acquire Airspace and Surface Radar Reconnaissance (ASRR) Aerostat systems. Sweden has also donated a Saab 340B AEW&C aircraft to Ukraine as part of a broader military aid package. The Saab airframe is becoming increasingly common in the Central-Eastern European region. The acquisition of these AEW platforms enhances Poland’s ability to effectively manage unforeseen situations and strengthens the capabilities of NATO’s AWACS fleet.Poland Receives Second Saab 340 AEW Platform Poland has taken delivery of its second Saab 340 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) platform, further enhancing its air defense capabilities. The aircraft, designated the M-28B Bryza, arrived at the 85th Combat and Support Aviation Base in Deblin on December 21, 2022. It was received by Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak and other high-ranking officials. The M-28B platform is equipped with the Erieye Extended Range radar system, which provides situational awareness, surveillance, and command and control capabilities. It can detect and track air targets up to 450 kilometers away. Poland ordered four Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft in 2016 as part of its modernization program. The first platform was delivered in 2019 and has since been operational with the Polish Air Force. The delivery of the second aircraft significantly increases Poland’s air defense capabilities, allowing for more effective detection and response to aerial threats. It also enhances interoperability with NATO allies. The remaining two Saab 340 AEW&C platforms are expected to be delivered in the coming years. Once fully operational, the four aircraft will provide Poland with a comprehensive AEW&C system to safeguard its airspace.