The aircraft went in production in 1973. 32 MFI 17 were purchased by Denmark and 95 more were purchased by Pakistan. Several MFI 17 serve with Swedish armed forces as T 17. SAAB 340 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft. The fuselage is round with a swept tail fin with dorsal extension.
Canopy consists of four large windows.
A number of rectangular cabin windows are located on either side of the fuselage. A fairing containing the engine with four-blade propeller and main landing gear is mounted on either wing close to the fuselage. Swept tailplane is mounted in the middle of the rear fuselage. Landing gear with nose wheel is retractable. First SAAB 340 flew on January 25, 1983.