Sweden Signs Contract For Third GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning And Control Aircraft
Saab has signed a contract with Sweden’s military procurement agency to deliver a third GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft.
Saab values the contract at approximately 2.6 billion Swedish krona ($245 million), with the new GlobalEye order part of the options in the original June 2022 contract for two GlobalEyes. The contract still has an option for an additional GlobalEye to be purchased.
“We are proud to contribute to Sweden’s defence with another GlobalEye aircraft, which will provide unique situational awareness of the surroundings as well the capability of early detection and warning of potential threats in the air, at sea or on land,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
Stockholm’s move to exercise the option follows an announcement in late May that it would be purchasing additional GlobalEyes to replace the two Saab ASC 890 AEW&C aircraft that it has pledged to donate to Ukraine. The ASC 890s will provide airborne early warning and command for the F-16s pledged by other European nations.
At the time, the Swedish government also indicated that it would accelerate the production of the two GlobalEyes originally to be delivered in 2027, although neither the Swedish government or Saab have provided details on a revised delivery date as of writing.
The GlobalEye is built on a Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, with its main sensor Saab’s Erieye-Extended Range active electronically scanned radar. Saab claims the Erieye-ER is capable of detecting targets up to 550 kilometers away from an altitude of 35,000 feet, with the GlobalEye able to remain on station for over 11 hours.
The GlobalEye is currently in service with the United Arab Emirates. The country was the launch customer of the GlobalEye, receiving the first of five GlobalEyes in April 2020. The UAE’s fifth and final GlobalEye is expected to be delivered next year.