politics
NATO Allies Agree to Procure Up to 10 Saab GlobalEye Aircraft
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced July 7 that allies will acquire up to 10 Saab GlobalEye surveillance planes to replace the aging E-3 Sentry fleet. The decision follows the abandonment of a prior plan to buy six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft.
Jul 7, 3:38 AM·1m read8 sources
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NATO allies have agreed to jointly procure up to 10 Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced July 7 at the alliance's defence industry forum in Ankara. The procurement falls under NATO's initial Allied Future Surveillance and Control project and is intended to replace the alliance's aging E-3 Sentry planes.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the aircraft will operate from Swedish bases by 2027.
Allies abandoned a planned purchase of six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft five months earlier after the Trump administration signaled plans to cancel the program. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later reversed course following pushback from American lawmakers. Saab CEO Micael Johansson said NATO's selection was likely driven by affordability, capabilities, and speed of deliveries.
He added that the first units could reach allies by 2030. Saab is investing to increase annual output from its Gothenburg hub, with possible support from Sabena Technics. France finalized a December contract for two GlobalEye aircraft valued at 12.3 billion Swedish kronor, or $1.3 billion, with an option for two more under discussion.
Canada opened acquisition talks with Saab in May. Germany and Poland have expressed interest.
