Canada is currently in talks with Saab regarding the potential purchase of its GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft, as Prime Minister Mark Carney disclosed during the opening of the annual arms trade show CANSEC in Ottawa. Carney emphasized that the advanced sensors and mission systems of Saab’s GlobalEye would significantly enhance the Canadian Armed Forces’ capabilities in detecting and deterring threats in the Arctic region.
The GlobalEye system is integrated into a Bombardier 6500 executive jet, equipped with Saab radar and sensors, and manufactured at Saab’s Toronto plant. The Canadian air force had originally planned to acquire up to six early warning aircraft for both national and international operations, with a particular focus on enhancing surveillance in the Arctic region where concerns have escalated.
These aircraft have the capability to track objects, whether on land, sea, or in the air, at distances of up to 650 kilometers. Saab had proposed its surveillance aircraft alongside the sale of Gripen-E fighter jets to Canada, pledging technology transfer to enable local manufacturing of both aircraft types. However, there has been no confirmation from Carney regarding Canada’s decision on the Gripen and potential limitations on the procurement of American-made F-35 jets.
The GlobalEye faced competition from the U.S.-made Boeing E-7 Wedgetail and the L3Harris Aeris X in the selection process. NATO is also considering the GlobalEye as a viable candidate to replace its aging fleet of Boeing E-3 Sentry airborne early warning aircraft.