France Orders $1.34 Billion GlobalEye Surveillance Aircraft from Saab — Strengthening Defense Ties with Sweden
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Title: France Orders $1.34 Billion GlobalEye Surveillance Aircraft from Saab — Strengthening Defense Ties with Sweden
Slug: france-globaleye-saab-surveillance-aircraft-order
Meta Description: France has finalized a $1.34 billion deal with Saab to acquire two GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, replacing its aging E-3F fleet and deepening defense ties with Sweden. Deliveries will start in 2029.
Keywords: France, Saab, GlobalEye, surveillance aircraft, Saab Erieye, E-3 Sentry replacement, French Air Force, Bombardier Global 6000, European defense, Sweden-France cooperation, defense technology, AEW&C
France Signs $1.34 Billion Deal with Saab
France has officially confirmed a $1.34 billion (12.3 billion SEK) order for two Saab GlobalEye airborne surveillance aircraft, marking a major step in modernizing its airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities.
The deal, finalized with France’s defense procurement agency Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), includes:
Two GlobalEye aircraft equipped with the Erieye ER radar system
Ground-based support systems and operator training
Long-term maintenance and technical assistance
Deliveries are scheduled from 2029 to 2032, with potential for two more aircraft later.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson described the agreement as “a sign of strong confidence in Saab’s technology and a step forward for European defense cooperation.”
Replacing France’s Aging E-3F Sentry Fleet
This purchase allows France to phase out its aging Boeing E-3F Sentry aircraft, which entered service in the early 1990s. Despite upgrades, these planes face rising maintenance costs and operational limitations. The introduction of GlobalEye will give France a more efficient, longer-range, and modern platform for surveillance and early warning missions.
Why France Chose the GlobalEye
Extended detection range: The Erieye ER radar can track targets up to 550 km away.
Multi-domain capability: Monitors air, sea, and land simultaneously.
Modern platform: Based on the Bombardier Global 6000 jet—faster, quieter, and more fuel-efficient.
Lower maintenance: Reduced operating costs compared to larger, older surveillance aircraft.
France joins Sweden and the United Arab Emirates as existing GlobalEye customers, confirming its reputation as one of the most advanced surveillance systems available.
Strengthening Franco-Swedish Defense Cooperation
The deal also reflects growing defense collaboration in Europe. Both countries formalized this partnership at the Paris Air Show in 2025, when French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson signed a new defense roadmap.
This cooperation extends beyond aircraft to include:
Air defense systems
Anti-tank weapon development
Naval research and joint projects
Surveillance and early-warning integration
Saab will work with French firm Sabena technics to support aircraft customization and long-term maintenance, reinforcing local industrial participation and ensuring French jobs benefit from the program.
Growing International Interest in GlobalEye
Following France’s decision, interest in the GlobalEye system continues to rise among NATO members and Canada, especially after concerns about Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail availability and cost.
GlobalEye’s combination of extended-range radar, long endurance, and multi-role flexibility positions it as a key contender for next-generation NATO surveillance platforms.
A New Era for French Airborne Surveillance
With GlobalEye, France is entering a new stage in its defense evolution—one centered on connectivity, interoperability, and European autonomy. The aircraft will strengthen:
Airspace and maritime monitoring
Border protection
Real-time intelligence for NATO operations
Rapid response and situational awareness capabilities
Factbox: Saab GlobalEye at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Saab AB (Sweden) |
| Platform Base | Bombardier Global 6000 Business Jet |
| Radar System | Erieye ER (Extended Range) |
| Maximum Detection Range | ~550 km |
| Crew | Typically 7–10 (flight + mission crew) |
| Speed / Range | Mach 0.85 / up to 11,000 km |
| Operators | Sweden, United Arab Emirates, (future) France |
| Roles | Airborne early warning, border control, maritime surveillance, search and rescue support |
Comparison: E-3F Sentry vs. GlobalEye
| Feature | Boeing E-3F Sentry | Saab GlobalEye |
|---|---|---|
| First Delivery | 1991 (France) | 2029 (France) |
| Platform | Boeing 707-320 airframe | Bombardier Global 6000 |
| Radar Range | ~400 km | ~550 km |
| Crew Requirement | 15–20 | 7–10 |
| Fuel Efficiency | Low | High |
| Maintenance Cost | High (aging platform) | Low (modern jet) |
| Operational Role | Airborne early warning | Multi-domain surveillance (air, sea, land) |
European Defense Integration Gains Momentum
This acquisition underscores a strong European push toward greater strategic autonomy and reduced dependency on non-EU defense systems. The Saab-France partnership marks a tangible example of cross-border industrial strengthening within Europe’s defense ecosystem.
As France upgrades its airborne capabilities, this move may inspire other EU and NATO allies to follow suit—potentially leading to a new era of shared surveillance and interoperability standards across the continent.
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