Saab eyes fresh market opportunities for its GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft
Saab has proactively offered the GlobalEye to nations across the globe to fulfil their AEW&C requirements. (Photo: Saab)
As the E-7 Wedgetail faces prolonged production and technical delays as well as a recently abandoned contract from NATO, its competitor, the GlobalEye, may find new avenues for market growth.
Developed by Swedish manufacturer Saab, GlobalEye is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft which is currently operated by Sweden and the UAE; the latter of which acquired the aircraft in 2018 with the fifth platform being delivered in September 2024.
The multi-role airborne surveillance system has also been selected by France, with the French General Directorate of Armament placing a US$1.3 billion order for two of the surveillance aircraft on 31 December 2025. The contract included an option for France to purchase two additional aircraft, with initial deliveries expected to take place between 2029 and 2032.
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![USAF eyes sensor and weapon upgrades as MH-139A Grey Wolf achieves IOC]()
USAF eyes sensor and weapon upgrades as MH-139A Grey Wolf achieves IOC
The Grey Wolf has entered operational service nearly three years later than originally planned, while new sustainment contracts indicate that some UH-1Ns could remain supported until 2031.
-
![Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training]()
Extending mission readiness: where XR adds real value in pilot, crew and maintenance training
Extended reality (XR) is becoming increasingly relevant in military aviation training, adding a flexible layer to an integrated ecosystem spanning the pilot, crew, and maintenance domains.
-
![US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms]()
US military tests AI-powered CUAS turret against drone swarms
As the US continues to invest heavily in counter-drone systems, demand for low-cost, mobile and autonomous technologies is on the rise, with Edda designed to align with these emerging requirements.
-
![August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows]()
August crewed air review: KC-390 momentum builds as demand in the tanker market grows
The KC-390 is building a growing international operator base, but competition in the transport and tanker market is increasingly likely to depend on interoperability, commonality and the strength of supporting ecosystems. Meanwhile, Boeing’s KC-46 and Airbus’s A330 also gained ground in August.
