Poland orders two Saab 340 AEW early warning systems

One of the world's most widely used airborne early warning systems - did you know it - comes from Sweden. The Saab 340 Erieye AEW (Airborne Early Warning) and Saab 2000 now fly in different versions for 9 countries.

The Polish Air Defense has now ordered two 340 Erieye AEW, which can be used for both airspace surveillance and rescue operations.

The Saab system is an impressive example of Swedish engineering. At the heart of the facility is the Erieye Radar, which, flying at high altitude, can cover a much larger area than a ground-based system. According to Saab, the effective surveillance area is over 500.000 km² horizontally and over 60.000 feet (approx. 18 km) vertically.

The radar detects the smallest objects at sea

The possible coverage on the high seas is only limited by the horizon. The Saab 340 AEW can detect and track all objects, from airplanes to helicopters and cruise missiles to sea targets as small as jet skis. The system provides a reliable flow of accurate information at all times. It works independently of atmospheric conditions and disturbances.

The radar is based on AESA technology (Active Electronically Scanned Array), which allows the radar performance to be adjusted depending on the situation. Depending on the location, it can be used over a large area – or concentrated on a smaller area. The radar detects and tracks objects very quickly with great precision and a high update rate. S-Band technology ensures peak performance in all weather conditions.

The Saab 340 AEW is multi-mission capable

In general, the 340 AEW is multi-mission capable (Link). It can be used for air policing, early warning and control, reconnaissance and air sea surveillance. Other fields of application are border surveillance and search and rescue missions.

The Saab 340 itself is a twin-engine low-wing monoplane. With two turboprop engines, it can reach a maximum speed of 524 km/h and a maximum altitude of 7.620 meters.

The two Saab 340 Erieye AEW were originally used by the United Arab Emirates. In 2020 they were returned to Saab and replaced by the more powerful Saab Global Eye System. They are now being converted to the current requirements.

For Poland, both aircraft stand for improved border security and early warning in times of crisis. And are therefore very welcome. The agreement with the Polish air defense includes two Saab 340 AEW systems as well as ground equipment and services. The value of the contract, which will run from 2023 to 2025, is estimated at around 600 million SEK (approx. €52 million).

Images courtesy of Saab AB