NATO Allies Decide to Acquire Up to 10 Saab GlobalEye Aircraft

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced July 7 that a number of allies have jointly decided to acquire up to 10 Saab GlobalEye aircraft. The announcement came at the NATO defence industry forum in Ankara and covers the alliance's initial Allied Future Surveillance and Control project to replace aging E-3 Sentry planes.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the GlobalEye aircraft will operate from Swedish bases by 2027.

The decision follows the allies' abandonment five months earlier of a planned purchase of six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. NATO had committed to that buy under the former iAFSC plan before the Trump administration signaled plans to cancel the program. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later reversed course after 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.

Saab has previously sold the aircraft to Sweden and the UAE. The platform integrates an Erieye ER radar designed for severe clutter and jamming environments.