Canada Picks Saab GlobalEye AEW&C

Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft | Photo: Saab

Canada has announced plans to negotiate with Swedish defence company Saab for a future Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability based on the GlobalEye platform.

Prime Minister Mark Carney made the announcement during the CANSEC defence and security exhibition in Ottawa on May 27. The government said negotiations would now begin with Saab as the preferred supplier for an order.

The proposed capability would use Saab’s GlobalEye surveillance system, which is built around the Canadian-made Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft. According to the Canadian government, at least one-third of the projected GlobalEye fleet over the next 15 years is expected to be manufactured in Canada, including aircraft for allied customers.

The Canadian government said the programme could support around 3,000 jobs in the aerospace and defence sector, including engineering, manufacturing and skilled trades roles.

The GlobalEye system combines Airborne Early Warning and Control functions with air, sea and land surveillance. Saab says the aircraft integrates the Erieye Extended Range radar with sensors and command-and-control systems designed to detect a range of threats including aircraft, drones and missile systems. The Canadian government said the platform could track objects and signals at distances of up to 650 kilometres and would support surveillance operations in the Arctic and other regions.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said, “The first job of the government is to keep Canadians safe. Our government is protecting Canadians and supporting our Allies with an approach that transforms defence procurement. With our new strategy, we are building our economy and creating careers in the skilled trades, science, and engineering. The GlobalEye procurement will help us secure our North and build our economy at once.”

Alongside the government announcement, Saab said it has signed a teaming agreement with CAE for Canada’s future AEW&C programme. The agreement expands an existing partnership between the two companies and is intended to include training and simulation systems supporting the GlobalEye platform.

Micael Johansson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saab, said, “We welcome Canada’s decision to enter into discussions with Saab as the preferred supplier of the future Canadian AEW&C capability. GlobalEye offers proven capability for the Royal Canadian Air Force, sovereign ownership for Canada and comprehensive and skilled work for Canadian industry.”

Matt Bromberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of CAE, said: “CAE’s world-class defence expertise will be critical to enabling a high-performance AEW&C capability for Canada. Building on our longstanding collaboration and trust with Saab, this agreement reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovative, integrated solutions that strengthen operational performance and support Canada’s defence priorities.”