Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1528235
The two Saab 340AEW will be complemented by four aerostats, under the code name "Barbara." An intergovernmental agreement for their procurement from the United States was signed in May 2024. Given the unusual (for the Polish Armed Forces) type of aircraft and the proximity of the manufacturer's facilities, the MOD is not expected to build domestic maintenance capabilities for these planes. It is known that some maintenance work (related to basic onboard systems) was carried out on the first aircraft at Warsaw Chopin Airport, where civilian entities certified to service Saab 340 (commonly used in regional transport) are located. More extensive work will likely be done in Linköping. Regarding domestic defense industry capabilities, WLZ 2 S.A. in Bydgoszcz has limited experience with such aircraft (e.g., repainting and minor mechanical work). It is possible that due to the anticipated short operational life (around ten years), the Ministry of Defense will limit itself to deepening cooperation with Saab (if this remains possible after the two Swedish 340AEW are handed over to Ukraine). During this time, the selection of a supplier for new aircraft of this class will likely take place – unofficially, the competition will be happening between Saab (GlobalEye) and Northrop Grumman (E- 2D Advanced Hawkeye). The order may include three or four aircraft, which would also be stationed at the 44th Naval Aviation Base in Siemirowice. These new aircraft may eventually replace the currently used M28B Bryza planes. Poland is currently one of several countries utilizing the Erieye radar. Saab 340AEW with that radar are also operated by Sweden and Thailand. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia opted for the Saab 2000 turboprop, while Brazil, Greece, and Mexico use the Embraer ERJ-145 regional www.fragoutmag.com