defense

France orders two Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft

France’s procurement agency contracted Saab on 30 December 2025 to supply two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft to boost national airborne surveillance and NATO interoperability.

Mr. T (Curator)

Mr. T (Curator)

— 1 min read
Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft in flight, showing a business‑jet fuselage with radar and sensor systems.
Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft in flight, showing a business‑jet fuselage with radar and sensor systems.

Key facts

  • DGA contracted Saab on 30 December 2025 to buy two GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft.
  • GlobalEye combines a long‑range multi‑sensor radar and EO/IR sensors on a business‑jet airframe for wide‑area ISTAR.
  • The purchase strengthens French airborne surveillance and interoperability with NATO; pricing and delivery dates remain undisclosed.

2 minute read

France has contracted Saab to acquire two GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft, formalising a decision announced at the end of 2025. The DGA signed the procurement deal on 30 December 2025. GlobalEye pairs a long‑range multi‑sensor radar and complementary electro‑optical/infrared and communications systems with a high‑endurance business‑jet platform, offering persistent wide‑area surveillance across land and maritime theatres. For Paris, the procurement closes a capability gap in airborne ISTAR and augments the French armed forces’ ability to conduct airspace management, maritime domain awareness and coalition tasking.

Operationally, the GlobalEye will provide France with a flexible AEW&C asset that can be deployed for national defence, NATO collective security, and expeditionary operations. The platform’s design supports integration into allied command-and-control networks, improving data-sharing and interoperability. Industrially, the order consolidates Saab’s presence in European defence markets and may include logistics, training and sustainment packages; however, the DGA has not disclosed financial details or a delivery timeline.

Strategically, the purchase reflects broader European trends: member states are prioritising mature, off‑the‑shelf airborne surveillance solutions to rapidly restore or expand capabilities while maintaining interoperability with NATO allies. The GlobalEye contract therefore has significance beyond France’s immediate needs, offering a near-term boost to allied airborne ISR capacity without the lead times associated with bespoke national programmes.

Source: European Security & Defence

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