France Orders Saab GlobalEye AEW&C Aircraft in $1.3B Deal
France has confirmed the acquisition of two Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft under a contract valued at approximately SEK 12.3 billion. The agreement, signed with the national procurement agency DGA, covers not only the aircraft but also associated ground systems, training programs, and long-term support. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2029 and 2032, with an option included for two additional units should France decide to expand the fleet.
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| Credit: SAAB |
The GlobalEye platform is built on the Bombardier Global 6500 long-range business jet, chosen for its endurance and operational flexibility. At the heart of the system is the Erieye Extended Range active electronically scanned array radar, which can detect targets at distances of up to 550 kilometers when operating at 30,000 feet. The aircraft is designed to remain airborne for more than 11 hours, enabling extended surveillance missions across multiple domains.
France’s decision places it among a select group of European nations investing in GlobalEye to replace or supplement older airborne surveillance assets. The United Kingdom, for example, is retiring its E-3 Sentry fleet and preparing to introduce the E-7 Wedgetail, but has not opted for Saab’s solution despite monitoring the program closely. This highlights the growing diversity of approaches within Europe to maintain airborne early warning capabilities.
The GlobalEye system integrates a wide array of sensors beyond the Erieye radar. These include the Leonardo Seaspray 7500E maritime radar, electro-optical and infrared systems, electronic support measures and electronic intelligence equipment, as well as automatic identification system receivers and identification friend or foe transponders. Together, these sensors allow the aircraft to conduct simultaneous missions over air, sea, and land, while providing real-time command and control functions.
Crew composition reflects the aircraft’s dual role as both a surveillance and command platform. Two pilots operate the jet, while mission specialists work at up to nine dedicated operator stations. Saab has emphasized ergonomic design and advanced avionics to reduce fatigue during long-duration sorties, ensuring sustained effectiveness throughout extended missions.
Key operational features include the ability to deliver a unified situational picture across multiple domains, sharing data seamlessly with allied forces. The Erieye ER radar employs gallium nitride technology, which provides a significant increase in detection range compared to earlier versions. The aircraft also demonstrates strong performance from varied airfields, allowing flexible deployment options in diverse operational environments.
By combining endurance, advanced radar technology, and a comprehensive suite of sensors, the GlobalEye offers France a versatile tool for surveillance and command. Its integration into the French inventory underscores the country’s commitment to maintaining advanced airborne early warning capabilities well into the next decade, while leaving open the possibility of expanding the fleet further through the contract’s option clause.