Canada Selects Saab's GlobalEye as Preferred AEW&C Solution
Saab's GlobalEye combines a Bombardier Global 6500 aircra with
long-range sensors designed to monitor activity across air, maritime
and land domains. Photo: Saab
Canada has selected Saab's GlobalEye as its preferred solution
for a new Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capa-
bility, moving the federal government into formal discussions
with the Swedish aerospace and defence company.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the selection at CAN-
SEC in Ottawa on May 27. The Defence Investment Agency is
leading negotiations on the commercial, technical and eco-
nomic terms of a potential acquisition.
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GlobalEye is built on the Bombardier Global 6500 business
jet, manufactured in Canada. The aircraft combines long-range
radar and other sensors with airborne command-and-control
capabilities, allowing operators to detect, track and respond to
activity across air, maritime and land domains.
The capability would give the Royal Canadian Air Force
a mobile surveillance platform able to operate beyond the
coverage of fixed ground-based radar. It would complement
Canada's planned Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar by allowing
crews to reposition surveillance and command capabilities as
operational needs change.
Saab also announced a teaming agreement with CAE to sup-
port the Canadian program. The companies plan to combine
GlobalEye with Canadian training and simulation capabilities,
building on a broader cooperation agreement signed in No-
vember 2025.
The government expects the program to support Canadian
aircraft production, mission-system integration, technology
transfer, skilled employment and participation in global de-
fence supply chains. Saab has also identified opportunities
for Canadian companies in training, sustainment and future
capability development.
The selection begins formal negotiations rather than rep-
resenting a contract award. Canada has not announced the
expected fleet size, contract value or delivery schedule.
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