Canada is in discussions with Saab to purchase its GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft, as announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday during the annual arms trade show CANSEC in Ottawa. Carney highlighted the advanced sensors and mission systems of Saab’s GlobalEye, emphasizing its importance for the Canadian Armed Forces in detecting and deterring threats in the Arctic region.
The GlobalEye system is based on a Bombardier 6500 executive jet equipped with Saab radar and sensors, manufactured at Saab’s Toronto plant. The Canadian air force had initially planned to acquire up to six early warning aircraft for various operational needs, with a particular focus on surveillance in the Arctic due to growing concerns.
These aircraft have the capability to track objects – whether on land, sea, or in the air – up to a distance of 650 kilometers. Saab had proposed the GlobalEye as part of a larger deal to sell Gripen-E fighter jets to Canada, with a commitment to technology transfer for local manufacturing. Carney did not provide details on whether Canada will proceed with the Gripen purchase and potentially limit its acquisition of American-made F-35 jets, a decision that has been under review for over a year.
In the competition for surveillance aircraft, the GlobalEye was up against the U.S.-manufactured Boeing E-7 Wedgetail and the L3Harris Aeris X. NATO is reportedly considering the GlobalEye as a viable option to replace its aging fleet of Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne early warning aircraft.