The GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft is a multi-role airborne surveillance system developed by Saab.
The aircraft offers air, maritime and ground surveillance on a single platform. It can operate in dedicated or multiple roles and can simultaneously switch between different roles at any point in time during an ongoing mission.
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The GlobalEye airborne surveillance system was launched at the Singapore Airshow 2016.
In September 2026, Saab entered a non-binding term sheet with the Canadian Defence Investment Agency, defining the framework and scope for formal contract negotiations to supply its GlobalEye AEW&C system to the Royal Canadian Air Force.Top of Form
Canada plans to procure six GlobalEye aircraft, together with the associated systems, training and support services. The agreement follows an announcement made in May 2026 naming Saab as the preferred supplier for the country’s future AEW&C capability and does not represent a contract or a commitment to purchase aircraft.Top of Form
GlobalEye variants
The GlobalEye AEW&C platform is offered in three different configurations according to customer-specific requirements. The base configuration is equipped with the AEW&C capability to deliver aerial, maritime and ground surveillance.
The second variant integrates additional maritime surveillance radar and electro-optical (EO) sensors to transform the base platform to offer enhanced maritime and ground capabilities. The third version incorporates new sensors for electronic intelligence and signals intelligence capability.
GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft design and features
The GlobalEye AEW&C system is available in two platforms based on the Bombardier Global 6000 and Global 6500 ultra-long-range jet aircraft. Its cabin features ergonomic side-facing seating for operators and offers low noise levels and high-altitude performance. It also includes a six-seat passenger rest area.
The aircraft has a length of 30.3m (99.4ft), wingspan of 28.7m and wing area of 94.8m². The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 45,132kg (99,499lb).
GlobalEye’s sensor suite has a range of 650km (404 miles) at an operational altitude of 6,500m and can detect low-flying threats at distances exceeding 400km when operating at 10,668m.
Command and control system
The command and control (C2) system aboard the aircraft enables the crew to perform multiple missions in complex and changing scenarios. The aircraft accommodates up to seven C2 workstations. Each operator console is equipped with a 30in wide-screen, high-resolution colour display offering the best possible interface for the operators.
The displays present target data obtained by the onboard sensors or received via the data links, and allow the operators to find tracks, control own forces, monitor threats, command operations and manage all onboard systems. The C2 system also enables mission planning and mission evaluation.
Each multi-role console offers mission data and control functions and is interchangeable. The crew can access all operator consoles during high-priority missions, while low-intensity missions can be handled using one or two consoles to reduce manpower requirements.
Sensors/radars
The Global Eye system’s main sensor is the Erieye extended range (ER) S-band active electronically scanned array multi-mode radar. The radar is designed to collect target data in a large air volume across a vast surface area in heavy clutter and jamming environments.
The long-range airborne surveillance radar offers continuous air, sea and ground surveillance, while delivering increased detection range in comparison with ‘stealthy’ low-observable air targets.
The radar is also capable of detecting and tracking air targets of any size over land and sea. It can also detect tiny targets such as cruise missiles in heavy clutter environments and even small objects such as submarine periscopes and small waterborne craft.
The under-fuselage of the aircraft is mounted with a high-performance maritime surveillance radar for close-range maritime and ground surveillance, radar imaging, and search-and-rescue missions. The aircraft also features an EO system, which can simultaneously operate in the visible, near-infrared and mid-wave infrared spectrums.
GlobalEye can detect maritime targets beyond the elevated horizon and can identify small boats including jet skis at long distances. The combination of Erieye ER and maritime surveillance radar enables the detection of objects as small as a periscope. The system uses the Automatic Identification System, EO System and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar to identify objects.
Countermeasures
GlobalEye is equipped with an advanced self-protection system based on the latest technology developed by Saab.
The self-protection system integrates a suite of sensors and countermeasures dispensers. The autonomously operated system can also be controlled by the pilot.
GlobalEye performance
The GlobalEye platform ensures a maximum mission endurance of more than 11 hours on the Global 6000 platform, while the Global 6500 version adds over 12 hours of operational endurance. The aircraft platform allows for operations from short runways in small airports.
Orders and deliveries
Saab received a $1.27bn (Skr12.74bn) contract from the United Arab Emirates in November 2015 to supply a new airborne swing-role surveillance system programme, integrating a new variant of the Saab Erieye radar system based on the Global 6000 aircraft. A total of five GlobalEye aircraft were delivered under the programme from 2020, with the final delivery made in September 2024.
In June 2022, Saab received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration for two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft. The order is valued at approximately Skr7.3bn and includes options for two additional aircraft. Deliveries are planned to conclude in 2027.
In December 2025, Saab signed a contract with the French General Directorate of Armaments, direction générale de l’Armement, for two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft, along with ground equipment, training and support, with the option to purchase two additional aircraft. The order is valued at approximately Skr12.3bn, with deliveries scheduled between 2029 and 2032.
In July 2026, Saab received an order valued at Skr10.1bn from an undisclosed country in the Middle East region for two GlobalEye aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled for 2030.
In the same month, Nato selected GlobalEye as its new AEW&C platform. Nato will now begin negotiations with Saab regarding the purchase of up to ten GlobalEye aircraft.
In September 2026, the Netherlands signed a letter of intent with Sweden to acquire a Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft. However, the parties have not yet concluded a contract and Saab has not received an order from the Dutch Government.
