Saab has secured a $1.3 billion contract from France for its GlobalEye AEW&C surveillance aircraft, cementing the platform’s role in Europe’s next generation of airborne early warning systems. The order follows a declaration of intent signed by both parties in June 2025.
The agreement includes two GlobalEye aircraft, associated ground infrastructure, crew training, and lifecycle support, with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2032. France has also retained the option to acquire two additional aircraft, providing flexibility to scale its airborne surveillance capabilities.
The GlobalEye platform continues to attract international interest. Sweden has selected the system for its own air force, while the United Arab Emirates operates a fleet of five aircraft. Saab has further positioned GlobalEye as a candidate to replace NATO’s E-3 airborne warning aircraft, which are approaching the end of their service life.
Built on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 airframe, GlobalEye combines long endurance with a multi-domain sensor suite, featuring the Erieye Extended Range radar, AIS, and electro-optical sensors. With an operational endurance exceeding 11 hours and coverage beyond 350 nautical miles, the aircraft is set to replace France’s aging E-3F Sentry fleet, significantly enhancing situational awareness and command-and-control capabilities well into the next decade.
