ANKARA (TechGenez) – NATO has chosen a Swedish-made surveillance aircraft to become the alliance’s new “eyes in the sky,” replacing its ageing fleet of U.S.-built planes.
At the NATO Defence Industry Forum in Ankara, the alliance and the Swedish government announced that Saab’s GlobalEye system will take over this critical role. The deal could see up to 10 GlobalEye aircraft purchased, giving NATO a modern, long-range surveillance platform.
What the GlobalEye System Can Do
GlobalEye is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft built on the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet. It combines powerful sensors and radar to detect, identify, and track objects at distances of more than 550 kilometres — far beyond what many ground-based radars can achieve.
The system can operate for more than 11 hours and provides real-time monitoring of air, sea, and land threats, including low-flying targets that ground radars often miss. It can also help direct friendly forces during operations.
For comparison, each current NATO Boeing E-3A plane can track aircraft and ships at distances over 400 km and fly for up to 10 hours. A single E-3A covers an area roughly the size of Poland; three coordinated aircraft can continuously monitor Central Europe.
Why Sweden Was Chosen
The Swedish company Saab has worked closely with NATO and 11 member countries — Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, and Sweden — to design a system that meets the alliance’s needs.
Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson said GlobalEye offers “precisely the kind of advanced situational awareness that modern defences need to combat everything from drones, missiles and other types of threats.”
The selection marks NATO’s second attempt to replace its ageing fleet. In 2023 the alliance chose Boeing’s E-7A Wedgetail, but the plan was cancelled in 2025 when the U.S. Air Force withdrew funding in favour of space-based surveillance.
Timeline and Next Steps
No contract has been signed yet. Saab now plans to begin formal negotiations with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency. If an agreement is reached soon, deliveries could begin as early as 2030.
GlobalEye’s advanced sensors and command systems are expected to give NATO a significant edge in detecting and responding to threats, while reducing reliance on older U.S. technology.
Why This Matters
The new system will strengthen NATO’s ability to monitor airspace, support military operations, and coordinate responses to crises across the alliance. It also reflects Sweden’s growing role in European defence cooperation.
As NATO continues to adapt to new security challenges, including drones and long-range missiles, the GlobalEye aircraft is expected to become a vital tool for the alliance’s future defence strategy.
Conclusion
NATO’s choice of the Swedish-made GlobalEye system marks a major modernisation of its airborne surveillance capabilities. With its long-range sensors, long endurance, and proven technology, the aircraft will provide the alliance with advanced “eyes in the sky” for years to come, helping to keep NATO’s forces safe and ready.
