SAAB Global Eye
On May 28, 2025, at the CANSEC defense trade show in Ottawa, Swedish aerospace and defense firm Saab declared its intention to provide the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to address Canada’s urgent requirement for enhanced air surveillance capabilities.
This action establishes Saab as a significant competitor in Canada’s multi-billion-dollar initiative to enhance its air defense infrastructure, especially for Arctic operations and in support of the North American Aerospace Defense Command [NORAD].
The GlobalEye, constructed on the Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet, integrates advanced radar and sensor technology with a reliable platform to provide a comprehensive multi-domain surveillance solution.
The announcement shows that Saab plans to work with Bombardier to enter Canada’s defense market, while also raising questions about how well the system will compete against rivals like Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail and whether it can meet the strict standards of the Royal Canadian Air Force [RCAF].
The GlobalEye is an advanced airborne surveillance system engineered to deliver real-time situational awareness across aerial, maritime, and terrestrial domains. The Bombardier Global 6000/6500, a long-range business jet produced in Canada, possesses an operational endurance surpassing 11 hours and the capability to operate from smaller airfields.
High-Altitude Capability
The aircraft’s high-altitude capability, reaching 51,000 feet, enables it to survey extensive areas, rendering it especially appropriate for monitoring Canada’s vast Arctic region. The platform features a sophisticated array of sensors, prominently including Saab’s Erieye Extended Range [ER] radar, which has a detection range exceeding 450 kilometres at 30,000 feet and reaching up to 550 kilometres at 35,000 feet.
This radar uses an Active Electronically Scanned Array [AESA] setup, allowing it to find low-flying targets like drones and cruise missiles even in tricky situations or when there are electronic jamming efforts.
The Erieye ER is enhanced by the Leonardo Seaspray 7500E radar, which can spot small boats and submarine periscopes, making it more effective for operations near the coast and at sea.
Additional electro-optical/infrared [EO/IR] sensors and signals intelligence [SIGINT] systems give a wide view of the battlefield, while a command-and-control [C2] apparatus collects information for up to 10 operator stations, helping them make fast decisions.
Saab’s choice to present GlobalEye at CANSEC 2025, Canada’s foremost defense and security exhibition, signifies a strategic effort to align the platform with the Royal Canadian Air Force’s modernization objectives.
Canada’s existing airborne early warning systems depend on outdated technologies that inadequately confront contemporary threats, including sophisticated drones, hypersonic armaments, and stealth capabilities. The RCAF needs a new AEW&C platform as part of a larger plan to strengthen NORAD’s defense in North America, particularly in the Arctic, where competition is increasing.
Anders Carp
Saab asserts that the Canadian-manufactured platform of the GlobalEye, combined with its sophisticated technology, provides a sovereign and economical solution. Anders Carp, Saab’s Deputy CEO, emphasized the system’s strategic significance, asserting, “GlobalEye is an unequivocally strategic asset—a multi-domain solution that enhances situational awareness and facilitates rapid response across aerial, maritime, and terrestrial domains.”
He additionally observed that the partnership with Bombardier fortifies Canada’s aerospace industry by generating high-value employment and incorporating local enterprises into Saab’s international supply chain.
The Bombardier Global 6000/6500, integral to the GlobalEye, is a twin-engine business jet celebrated for its dependability and performance. Boasting a maximum range of around 6,000 nautical miles and a cruising speed of Mach 0.85, it offers the endurance and versatility required for prolonged surveillance operations.
The aircraft’s expansive cabin houses mission equipment and operator workstations, guaranteeing optimal conditions for the crew during extended flights. Saab modifies the aircraft at its facility in Linköping, Sweden, strengthening the structure to fit the Erieye radar on top and adding features like ventral strakes and a longer tailfin for better aerodynamics.
The platform features a self-protection suite comprising laser and radar warning receivers and countermeasure dispensers to improve survivability in contested environments. Saab asserts that the GlobalEye can identify and monitor a diverse array of targets, including fighter jets, cruise missiles, small drones, and maritime vessels, rendering it a multifaceted resource for both military and civilian applications.
Projected at $3.65 billion
Canada’s AEW&C acquisition initiative, projected at $3.65 billion, seeks to rectify significant deficiencies in its defense strategy. The Arctic, characterized by its extensive and minimally overseen expanse, poses distinct challenges for monitoring and intervention.
The RCAF presently depends on a combination of terrestrial radars and allied assistance, yet these resources are inadequate for the requirements of contemporary warfare. The GlobalEye can provide up-to-date information in different areas, which matches Canada’s need for a system that can support NORAD’s job of aerospace warning and control and improve intelligence-sharing with Five Eyes.
Nevertheless, the program encounters obstacles, such as financial limitations and an extended timeline, with the first aircraft anticipated to commence service in the late 2030s. The government has designated $7.556 billion over two decades for acquisition, operations, and initial support, indicating the substantial expense of sustaining such a capability.
Saab’s GlobalEye is not the only competitor in Canada’s AEW&C program. Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail, derived from the 737-700 airliner, is a formidable competitor currently operational with the U.S. United States Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and Royal Air Force.
Northrop Grumman E-7
The E-7 is equipped with the Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar, providing 360-degree coverage and a detection range similar to that of the GlobalEye. The larger airframe facilitates additional operator stations and increased payload capacity, potentially enabling more intricate missions.
The E-7 incurs elevated operating costs attributable to its dimensions and fuel consumption, and it does not possess the Canadian industrial affiliation that the GlobalEye provides via Bombardier. A potential competitor is an AEW&C platform being developed by L3Harris Technologies in partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries’ ELTA Systems Group, which also utilizes the Global 6500.
Originally intended for South Korea’s AEW&C II program, L3Harris Technologies could adapt this system for Canada by incorporating similar Canadian components and incorporating alternative sensor integrations.
The operational history of the GlobalEye substantiates its reliability and efficacy. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been the inaugural customer, operating three GlobalEye aircraft since 2020, with an additional two expected for delivery by the conclusion of 2025.
Missions ranging from border surveillance to providing assistance for international events have utilized these platforms, demonstrating their versatility. The UAE has employed GlobalEye to oversee maritime traffic in the Persian Gulf, identify illicit smuggling, and facilitate coordinated operations with naval and ground forces.
Sweden has procured three GlobalEye aircraft, designated S 106, with deliveries scheduled for 2027 to substitute two Saab 340 AEW&C platforms donated to Ukraine. The Swedish Air Force commended the system’s capability to integrate with NATO networks, thereby improving situational awareness during joint exercises.
Saab 340 AEW&C
On the other hand, older systems like the Saab 340 AEW&C, while they worked well in the past, lack the range, endurance, and ability to operate in different areas that the GlobalEye has, which limits their usefulness in today’s conflicts.
The GlobalEye’s Erieye ER radar is a standout feature, offering clear advantages over earlier systems. Its AESA technology allows adaptive beam steering, enabling either focused sector scans or wide-area coverage. Thanks to gallium nitride modules, the radar detects targets 70% farther than older Erieye models.
Such distance makes it highly effective against stealthy or hard-to-spot targets. The Seaspray 7500E radar, mounted beneath the fuselage, adds high-resolution imaging for land and sea targets. Its synthetic aperture radar and moving target indication track small, fast-moving objects like jet skis or vehicles.
These capabilities work even in difficult conditions. Combining EO/IR sensors with SIGINT systems provides operators a complete operational picture. Such awareness is essential for decision-making in complex situations.
Historically, AEW&C systems have been vital in military operations, boosting air defenses and enabling rapid responses. During the Cold War, the U.S. and NATO relied on the Boeing E-3 Sentry for 360-degree surveillance. Despite its effectiveness, the E-3 is becoming obsolete due to high maintenance costs and emerging threats such as hypersonic missiles.
The GlobalEye, with its fixed AESA radar and smaller footprint, represents a modern alternative with lower operational expenses.
NATO Baltic exercises
In NATO Baltic exercises, prototypes detected and tracked low-flying threats and passed the data to ground defenses to improve response times. In UAE operations, GlobalEye cut the time to detect and respond to maritime incursions. This directly improved the Observe, Orient, Decide, Act (OODA) loop.
The E-7 Wedgetail is a key competitor, with its MESA radar offering constant 360-degree coverage. GlobalEye’s Erieye ER has a 120-degree field of view per side, requiring repositioning for full coverage. This limitation can reduce effectiveness in certain scenarios.
Saab addressed the issue by adding sensors like the Seaspray radar for near-360-degree coverage in specific missions. The E-7 also accommodates up to 12 operator stations, compared to GlobalEye’s 10. These features could matter in missions requiring extensive allied coordination.
However, GlobalEye’s compact Global 6000/6500 base allows operations from shorter runways. The limited infrastructure in Canada’s Arctic airstrips makes this valuable. Canada’s search for a new AEW&C platform reflects a global shift toward multi-domain operations and network-centric warfare.
Emerging threats like hypersonic weapons and UAV swarms demand platforms that integrate data from multiple domains in real time. GlobalEye merges air, sea, and land data into one system, supporting modern joint operations. In 2023 NATO trials, it coordinated air and naval units, cutting response times by 30% over older systems.
Saab-Bombardier partnership
Its AI-assisted signal processing reduces noise and prioritizes threats, a growing necessity in today’s battlespace. The Saab-Bombardier partnership boosts GlobalEye’s Canadian appeal. Bombardier has supplied seven Global 6000/6500 jets to Saab, with the latest delivered to Sweden in November 2023.
This cooperation supports Canada’s aerospace industry and strengthens GlobalEye’s “made in Canada” case. Bombardier Defence’s Jean-Christophe Gallagher praised its adaptability, noting more nations are choosing modern business jets for military fleets. GlobalEye could save costs long-term compared to larger platforms like the E-7.
It can also use Canada’s existing supply chain for the Global 6000/6500. However, GlobalEye must still meet Canada’s NORAD and Five Eyes integration needs. The RCAF works closely with partners like the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, all adopting the E-7.
Interoperability, especially with data-sharing systems like Link 16, is crucial for joint operations. GlobalEye supports Link 16 and has NATO exercise experience, but its smaller crew and radar limits may hinder large-scale missions.
The program’s $3.65 billion budget must cover acquisitions, training, and sustainability. This raises questions about whether GlobalEye’s value outweighs the E-7’s proven performance. Although the L3Harris/ELTA platform is less mature, it has the potential to challenge its competitors. It offers a customized solution with similar Canadian content.
GlobalEye’s operational history gives useful insight into its Canadian prospects. The UAE has used it to monitor vast maritime areas and detect illegal fishing. It has also supported counterterrorism missions.
Drones from Birds
Advanced signal processing lets GlobalEye distinguish small drones from birds. This is valuable for countering asymmetric threats. In Sweden, GlobalEye will replace aging Saab 340 AEW&C systems. These older platforms had only 300 kilometres of range and limited endurance.
Sweden donated two Saab 340s to Ukraine in 2024. The transfer highlighted the limits of outdated AEW&C systems in modern warfare. Today’s battles require broad detection and multi-domain situational awareness.
Ukraine used a Saab 340 to coordinate its air defenses against Russian forces. This showed AEW&C value in contested airspace but also exposed vulnerabilities to advanced electronic warfare. GlobalEye’s AESA radar offers significant improvements in that domain.
The expansive defense environment brings attention to Canada’s AEW&C decision. NATO and its allies are increasingly adopting business jet-based surveillance platforms in response to emerging threats.
The Global 6000/6500 offers lower operating expenses and greater flexibility than older platforms like the E-3 Sentry. Its efficiency makes it an attractive option over traditional airliner-based systems such as the E-7 Wedgetail. For example, the U.S. Army uses the Global 6500 for its HADES surveillance and reconnaissance program.
South Korea is evaluating a Global 6500
This system highlights how adaptable the Global platform is for intelligence and tracking operations worldwide. Similarly, South Korea is evaluating a Global 6500-based AEW&C aircraft with L3Harris and ELTA’s support.
This move reflects a growing global interest in cost-effective, modern surveillance platforms. These trends show that GlobalEye could remain competitive for years to come. Saab’s continued investment in AI and new sensors may secure its long-term edge in the market.
Industrial and economic factors influence the competition for Canada’s AEW&C program. By leveraging Bombardier’s established foothold in Canada, Saab’s proposal emphasizes job generation and supply chain integration.
The facility in Linköping possesses the capability to manufacture up to three GlobalEye aircraft annually, guaranteeing prompt deliveries if chosen. The E-7 Wedgetail gains advantages from its use by various Five Eyes nations, enhancing interoperability and achieving economies of scale.
The L3Harris/ELTA platform, although less established, may gain popularity if it exhibits similar capabilities at a reduced cost. Canada’s decision will likely depend on a balance of technical performance, cost, and industrial advantages, with the GlobalEye’s Canadian origins presenting a persuasive argument.
Conclusion
As Canada assesses its alternatives, GlobalEye’s operational history and technical proficiencies render it a formidable candidate. Its ability to deliver real-time, multi-domain situational awareness fulfills RCAF’s requirements for a versatile platform capable of functioning in the Arctic and supporting NORAD’s mission.
The system’s demonstrated efficacy in the UAE and its intended incorporation into Sweden’s air force illustrate its dependability and versatility. However, the competition is intense, as the E-7 Wedgetail’s greater capacity and established role within allied forces present a formidable challenge.
The RCAF’s evolving requirements will ultimately ascertain whether the GlobalEye’s combination of Canadian innovation and Swedish technology is suitable. The selection of an AEW&C platform will significantly determine Canada’s defense strategy for decades, affecting its capacity to address emerging threats and sustain interoperability with allies.
Will Canada choose the domestic benefits of the GlobalEye, or will it conform to the established, though pricier, E-7? The response will elucidate the nation’s priorities within an increasingly intricate global security landscape.
References
- Saab Official GlobalEye Page
https://www.saab.com/products/globaleye - CANSEC—Canada’s Global Defence and Security Trade Show
https://www.defenceandsecurity.ca/CANSEC - Bombardier Global 6000 Aircraft Overview
https://businessaircraft.bombardier.com/en/aircraft/global-6000 - Royal Canadian Air Force – Surveillance and Intelligence
- Boeing E-7 Wedgetail Overview
https://www.boeing.com/defense/e-7/ - Leonardo Seaspray 7500E Radar
https://electronics.leonardo.com/en/products/seaspray-7500e - North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
https://www.norad.mil/ - Defence News Today – Saab GlobalEye Coverage
https://www.defensenewstoday.info/
