NATO selects Saab’s GlobalEye for future AEW&C capability

NATO has selected Saab’s GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) system as its preferred solution to replace the Alliance’s current airborne surveillance capability. At the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye, Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that formal negotiations will begin with Saab AB for the potential acquisition of up to ten GlobalEye systems.

No contract has yet been signed, and Saab has not received a formal order. Negotiations will now take place with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

Built around the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet platform, GlobalEye combines Saab’s Erieye Extended Range radar with advanced sensors and multi-domain command-and-control capabilities. The system is designed to provide NATO with enhanced long-range surveillance of air, land and maritime environments, including the ability to detect drones, stealth aircraft, ballistic missiles and hypersonic threats in challenging conditions involving electronic warfare and heavy radar clutter.

Saab CEO Micael Johansson said the company was proud to support NATO’s next-generation AEW&C requirements, highlighting GlobalEye’s proven capabilities, adaptability and operational advantages.

The selection marks a major step in NATO’s effort to modernise its intelligence, surveillance and situational awareness capabilities in response to evolving security challenges. The final acquisition will depend on the outcome of negotiations between Saab and NATO.