Saab made a public interest in the Republic of Korea's maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) quest.

The Republic of Korea Navy is eager to introduce advanced MPAs to add to the fleet of 16 P-3C and P-3CKs currently in service covering the waters around the peninsula. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is expected to issue a formal request for proposals soon. The acquisition program is reportedly worth $1.81 billion.

Saab wants to offer its Swordfish MPA, which the company claims to be advantageous in terms of both capabilities and costs, and will likely to compete with Airbus and Boeing. Boeing's P-8 Poseidon was considered the favourite to win the contract. 

The aircraft, a modified Bombardier Global 6000 jet platform, will be equipped with the AESA radar that has 360-degree detection capability. It has a maximum cruise speed of 450kt, a service ceiling of 11,277m and operates over a range of 4,400nm.