Sweden orders third GlobalEye AEW&C
Sweden will become the second operator of GlobalEye. (Photo: Saab)
The multi-role airborne surveillance system combines the S-band Erieye Extended Range (ER) radar and mission system with Bombardier’s Global 6000 jet aircraft.
Sweden’s defence procurement agency (FMV) has placed an order for a third Sabb GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, one of the two options contained in the order for two aircraft placed in June 2022.
The order has a value of approximately SEK2.6 billion (US$244 million) and the delivery period is expected before 2029.
The FMV announced an order for two GlobalEye aircraft with an estimated value of SEK7.3 billion in June 2022 with deliveries expected to take place in 2027. The new GlobalEyes – replacing Saab 340 AEW aircraft – are to be designated S106 when in service and adapted for “Swedish defence tasks and international cooperation”, FMV noted in a statement.
The UAE is the only current operator of GlobalEye (with three delivered and two more on order) but Sweden affirmed its intent to acquire the aircraft in October 2021 with a formal request from the Swedish Armed Forces.
Shephard Defence Insight noted that reports emerged in May 2023 that the Polish Air Force was considering the purchase of an unspecified number of GlobalEye aircraft to reduce Polish dependence on the NATO early warning force based in Geilenkirchen.
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