NATO Adopts Saab GlobalEyes as E-3 Replacement in Landmark AWACS Procurement

ANKARA — NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced today that coalition members have collectively approved the acquisition of up to 10 Saab GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AWACS) aircraft to replace aging E-3 Sentry systems.

“Today, we are announcing the joint procurement of up to 10 Saab GlobalEyes AWACS aircraft,” Rutte stated during the NATO Defence Industry Forum in Ankara.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson highlighted the deal’s significance: “This procurement represents immense pride for Sweden and underscores NATO’s strengthened partnership. By 2027, these GlobalEyes will conduct operations from Swedish airbases, enhancing regional surveillance capabilities.”

The selection of the European-made GlobalEye—under NATO’s Allied Future Surveillance and Control (iAFSC) initiative—follows the cancellation of earlier plans to procure Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. The E-7 project collapsed after the U.S. defense department’s abrupt withdrawal, though the program was recently revived under incoming Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following advocacy from Congress.

Kristersson emphasized NATO’s strategic pivot: “This decision reflects a commitment to resilient, Europe-led solutions. The GlobalEye’s capabilities align precisely with the alliance’s evolving security needs.”

Saab CEO Micael Johansson confirmed NATO’s readiness to deploy GlobalEyes by 2031, noting, “Their operational analysis confirms this system will address critical surveillance gaps when optimized. We are scaling production at our Gothenburg facility and collaborating with French maintenance partner Sabena Technics to support NATO’s timeline.”

The alliance’s move follows months of speculation. French business magazine La Lettre first reported the agreement in April, though NATO and Saab maintained silence until today. Sweden’s contract with France for two GlobalEye jets—valued at 12.3 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $1.3 billion)—includes an option for two additional aircraft, Johansson revealed in April. Discussions with Germany and Poland indicate broader European interest.

Saab literature emphasizes the GlobalEye’s advanced Erieye ER radar, designed for reliable performance in contested environments, offering comprehensive airborne, maritime, and land surveillance.

Source link