Canada advances deal with Saab for GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft

Canada has advanced its plans to acquire six GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft by signing a non-binding term sheet with the Swedish defense company Saab. This agreement, facilitated through the Canadian Defence Investment Agency (DIA), establishes a framework for detailed negotiations regarding aircraft configuration, development programs, and Canadian supplier participation.

Choosing the GlobalEye platform provides economic benefits to the Canadian aerospace industry, as the aircraft is based on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet, a product of Canadian manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace. The acquisition aims to enhance the Royal Canadian Air Force’s ability to detect, track, and prioritize aerial threats in real-time across air, sea, and land domains.

While the GlobalEye was selected over competitors such as the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, officials noted that the system must still be configured to meet specific requirements, including obligations to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).