Saab Offers Globaleye to Canada for Reconnaissance and Command Aircraft Program

Saab has announced its readiness to offer Globaleye to Canada as part of the country's reconnaissance and command aircraft procurement program. Globaleye provides a strategic capability for comprehensive situational awareness and threat detection at long distances. Saab's partnership with Bombardier's Global 6000/6500 aircraft enhances the offer's world-class capabilities and benefits Canada's industry. Globaleye has previously been sold to Sweden and the UAE.

Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab has announced its intention to offer the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system to Canada, as part of the country's reconnaissance and command aircraft procurement program. The announcement was made at the CANSEC defense trade show in Ottawa on May 28, 2025 [1].

The GlobalEye, built on the Canadian-made Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet, combines cutting-edge radar and sensor technology to provide a multi-domain surveillance solution. The platform includes the Erieye ER radar, with a detection range of over 450 kilometers at 30,000 feet, and the Seaspray 7500E maritime surveillance radar, capable of identifying small vessels and submarine periscopes [1].

Saab's decision to showcase the GlobalEye at CANSEC 2025 reflects a strategic push to align the platform with the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) modernization goals. Canada's current airborne early warning capabilities rely on aging systems that struggle to address modern threats, such as advanced drones and hypersonic weapons. The RCAF's need for a new AEW&C platform is part of a broader effort to enhance NORAD's continental defense capabilities, particularly in the Arctic [1].

The GlobalEye's Canadian-built platform, coupled with its advanced technology, offers a sovereign and cost-effective solution. The aircraft's high-altitude performance, capable of reaching 51,000 feet, allows it to cover vast areas, making it particularly suited for monitoring Canada's expansive Arctic region. The platform is equipped with an advanced suite of sensors, including electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and signals intelligence (SIGINT) systems, providing a comprehensive picture of the battlespace [1].

Saab's partnership with Bombardier strengthens Canada's aerospace sector by creating high-value jobs and integrating local companies into Saab's global supply chain. The Bombardier Global 6000/6500, the backbone of the GlobalEye, is a twin-engine business jet renowned for its reliability and performance, with a maximum range of approximately 6,000 nautical miles and a cruising speed of Mach 0.85 [1].

The GlobalEye's operational history provides a strong case for its reliability and effectiveness. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been operating three GlobalEye aircraft since 2020, with two more scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025. These platforms have been used for missions ranging from border surveillance to support for international events, demonstrating their versatility [1].

Canada's AEW&C acquisition program, estimated at $3.65 billion, aims to address critical gaps in its defense posture. The Arctic, with its vast and sparsely monitored territory, presents unique challenges for surveillance and response. The RCAF currently relies on a mix of ground-based radars and allied support, but these are insufficient for the demands of modern warfare. The GlobalEye's ability to provide real-time data across multiple domains aligns with Canada's need for a system that can support NORAD's mission of aerospace warning and control, as well as contribute to Five Eyes intelligence-sharing efforts [1].

The program faces challenges, including budget constraints and a lengthy timeline, with the first aircraft not expected to enter service until the late 2030s. The government has allocated $7.556 billion over 20 years for acquisition, operations, and initial support, reflecting the high cost of maintaining such a capability [1].

Saab's GlobalEye is not the only contender for Canada's AEW&C program. Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail, based on the 737-700 airliner, is a formidable competitor already in service with the U.S. Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and Royal Air Force. The E-7 features the Northrop Grumman Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar, which offers 360-degree coverage and a detection range comparable to the GlobalEye's. However, the E-7's operating costs are higher due to its size and fuel consumption, and it lacks the Canadian industrial connection that the GlobalEye offers through Bombardier [1].

Another potential competitor is an AEW&C platform being developed by L3Harris Technologies in collaboration with Israel Aerospace Industries’ ELTA Systems Group, also based on the Global 6500. This system, tailored for South Korea’s AEW&C II program, could be adapted for Canada, leveraging similar Canadian content but with different sensor integrations [1].

References:
[1] https://bulgarianmilitary.com/2025/05/28/saab-unveils-globaleye-surveillance-jet-for-canada-at-cansec/