NATO Plans to Replace AWACS with Saab GlobalEye Jets, Sources Say
The alliance’s 14 aging AWACS planes have served since 1982, and the replacement order could be larger than Canada’s six-jet GlobalEye deal.
- NATO plans to replace its aging Airborne Warning and Control System fleet with Swedish Saab GlobalEye aircraft, with an official announcement expected at a summit in Ankara on July 7 to 8.
- Operating from Geilenkirchen, Germany, these 14 aircraft have served as the alliance's eyes in the sky since 1982, monitoring surveillance missions along the eastern flank since Russia launched its war in Ukraine.
- After the Pentagon scrapped its acquisition of the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail in 2025, NATO shifted to the GlobalEye system, which is based on the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet.
- This Swedish procurement could jar with President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly urged European allies to boost defense spending by purchasing more U.S. equipment.
- Canada recently moved to buy six GlobalEye jets, and Geilenkirchen could eventually house the world's largest fleet of the aircraft, establishing the platform as a key regional surveillance asset.
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Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson (M) is now highlighting the latest export successes for the Swedish defense industry. During a press conference ahead of next week's NATO summit, he said that further deals may be imminent.
The Nato replaces the Awacs aircraft with its characteristic radar on the hull. The decision involves tensions with Trump on the summit round in Ankara.
NATO plans to replace AWACS with Saab GlobalEye jets, sources say
NATO Selects Saab GlobalEye for Next Generation Airborne Surveillance Fleet
AeroNewsJournal Paris, July 3 - According to sources, NATO will announce ambitious plans today to replace its aging fleets of AWACS (Airborne Warning & Control System) surveillance aircraft with advanced Saab GlobalEye jets. This strategic shift represents a significant evolution in NATO’s air defense systems, marking a pivotal moment in enhancing the alliance’s aerial superiority over adversaries through improved real-time battlefield awareness…
NATO plans to replace its outdated AWACS fleet with GlobalEye surveillance aircraft from Swedish company Saab.
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