Once NATO allies will jointly acquire the Saab GlobalEye as a new AWACS.
Eleven allied nations will jointly acquire the Saab GlobalEye as the new NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), according to an announcement made at the NATO Defense Industry Forum in Ankara. The decision was officially announced by NATO on July 7, 2026.
The eleven participating allies are: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, and Sweden. The program aims to replace part of the aging Boeing E-3 Sentry fleet, which has been in service with the Alliance for many years. NATO did not disclose the number of aircraft, the contract value, or the delivery schedule.
Multidomain Surveillance
NATO stated that the GlobalEye will provide “advanced multidomain surveillance in the air, on land, and at sea from a single platform.” The system is expected to help detect threats such as swarms of drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.
What is the GlobalEye?
According to Saab, the GlobalEye is an early warning and control aircraft that integrates the long-range Erieye ER active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar on a Bombardier Global business jet airframe. From a single platform, it can simultaneously track airborne, maritime, and land targets. The aircraft is already in service with several operators; NATO’s decision could pave the way for broader adoption within the Alliance.
Why it Matters
Early warning aircraft detect air and maritime activity tens of kilometers beyond the battlefield, providing early warning and command and control to fighters and air defense systems. After decades of service, the need to modernize the E-3 Sentry fleet has driven NATO towards a next-generation solution. By describing the project as “an example of close transatlantic industrial cooperation,” the announcement highlights contributions from the European, Canadian, and U.S. industries.
Sources
- NATO – “NATO’s new Airborne Warning and Control System is announced” – July 7, 2026. Link
- Product information from Saab – For the platform and radar configuration of the GlobalEye.
