NATO has begun formal talks with Saab about the possible purchase of up to ten GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) systems, Secretary General Mark Rutte announced at the NATO summit in Ankara, Türkiye. The announcement designates Saab’s GlobalEye as NATO’s chosen solution for the Alliance’s next-generation AEW&C capability, but does not yet constitute a contract.
Saab has confirmed that it has not been issued a purchase order and has not signed a contract in relation to the announcement. The Alliance has identified a requirement to replace its current airborne early warning and control capability as part of wider efforts to modernize surveillance and situational awareness systems.
Saab response
"We are honoured and proud to support NATO in its next-generation AEW&C capability. We are confident that GlobalEye is the right choice for the Alliance, delivering proven capability, adaptability and long-term operational advantage. Today’s announcement clearly positions GlobalEye as the world-leading solution for advanced airborne early warning and control. We look forward to the next steps in the negotiations," said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
System description
The GlobalEye system integrates Saab’s Erieye Extended Range radar together with additional sensors and a multi-domain Command and Control system, all installed on a Bombardier Global 6500 airframe. According to information released alongside the announcement, the platform provides long-range detection and is capable of identifying low-observable and stealthy threats as well as drones, ballistic and hypersonic missiles in environments subject to heavy ground clutter and electronic jamming.
Next steps
Saab will move forward into formal negotiations with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency with the objective of securing a contract. At present, discussions have been initiated but no procurement order has been placed and the outcome of the negotiations remains to be determined.
Implications
The announcement formally positions GlobalEye as NATO’s selected AEW&C solution and begins the procurement dialogue between Saab and NATO’s procurement body. The procurement process will determine whether the selected platform transitions from a chosen solution into a contracted program.