France has formally ordered Saab’s GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, following a declaration of intent signed in June 2025. The agreement marks a major step in modernizing the French Air and Space Force’s airborne surveillance and command capabilities.
The contract, valued at 12.3 billion Swedish krona ($1.3 billion), covers two GlobalEye aircraft, along with ground systems, training, and long-term support. The deal also includes an option for two additional aircraft, allowing France to expand its AEW&C fleet in the future. Deliveries are planned between 2029 and 2032.
GlobalEye is gaining traction internationally, with Sweden also selecting the platform for its air force, while five aircraft are already operational with the United Arab Emirates, the system’s launch export customer. Saab has additionally promoted GlobalEye to NATO as a potential successor to the alliance’s aging E-3 Sentry fleet.
Based on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet, GlobalEye integrates advanced sensors including the Erieye Extended Range radar, an automatic identification system, and electro-optical sensors. Saab states the aircraft offers an instrumented range exceeding 350 nautical miles and endurance of more than 11 hours, positioning it to replace France’s E-3F Sentry aircraft, which entered service in 1991 and are expected to retire in the 2030s.
