Saab 340 AEW over Ukraine? It could form a deadly duo with the Ukraine's F-16s

Sweden manufactured six Saab 340 AEW airborne early warning aircraft. In the Swedish Air Force, they received the designation S100B. Two of them, with serial numbers 100002 and 100007, were sold to Thailand, while two more, numbered 100005 and 100006, were leased to the United Arab Emirates. After they were returned, the Swedish government offered them for sale to Poland. The relevant contract, worth approximately EUR 52 million, was signed on 25 July 2023 (more on this below).   

The two remaining aircraft, numbered 100003 and 100004, were modernised and received the designation S100D in the Swedish Air Force. They were operated by the 74th Special Air Squadron at Malmen Air Base in Linköping and carried tactical numbers 003 and 004. On 29 May 2024, it was announced that, by decision of the Swedish government and parliament, they would be transferred to Ukraine as a donation. The delivery date was not specified at the time. 

For now, it is not certain whether the Ukrainian Saab 340 AEW aircraft, as well as the F-16s being delivered on an ongoing basis, have the Link 16 data transmission systems active. If they do, and if the video is indeed genuine, Ukraine will gain new combat capabilities. The Saab 340 AEW aircraft will be able to detect Russian targets from a long distance and relay them in real time to combat aircraft equipped with Link 16 data links. Meanwhile, the Russians are facing increasing problems in keeping their A-50 counterpart platform operational. Some time ago, they had a dozen or so A-50 and modernised A-50U aircraft at their disposal. However, losses suffered in the war with Ukraine, as well as growing difficulties in maintaining them in working order, have reduced their number to just a few.  

Saab 340 AEW in Poland

The first aircraft to arrive in Poland was the one with serial number 100006. It landed on 6th March 2024 at the Babie Doły Airbase, already in Polish markings and with tactical number 3402 (this was probably the same airframe that had previously been presented in Sweden with the number 3401). It was taken on strength by the Gdynia Naval Aviation Brigade on 26th March 2024. The second aircraft, serial number 100005, landed at Babie Doły on 10th June 2024. Unlike the first, it arrived in Swedish markings and with Swedish tactical number 005. Once in Poland, it was repainted in Polish colours and became aircraft 3401. It was entered into the brigade’s inventory on 3rd July 2024.     

The Saab 340 AEW is 20.57 m long, has a wingspan of 21.44 m, stands 6.97 m high, and has an empty weight of 10.3 tonnes and a maximum take-off weight of 13.155 tonnes. It is powered by two General Electric CT7-9B turboprop engines, each producing 1,390 kW (1,870 hp), which gives it a service ceiling of 7,620 m and an endurance of more than five hours. Its primary task is to detect, identify and monitor airborne objects over a wide area. For this purpose, it uses an Erieye radar housed in a beam-shaped fairing mounted on the top of the aircraft. The aircraft also has communications and data transmission systems that enable cooperation with other aircraft and ground systems.