Saab and Sabena Partner on GlobalEye AEW&C Production Expansion

Saab and Sabena technics: A Strategic Partnership for GlobalEye AEW&C Expansion

In June 2025, Swedish defense and aerospace company Saab announced a strategic framework agreement with Sabena technics, a French firm specializing in aircraft maintenance and modification. This partnership is designed to support the growing demand for Saab’s GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, a multi-domain surveillance platform that has gained traction among NATO and allied nations.

The agreement positions Sabena technics as a key player in modifying Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jets into sophisticated AEW&C platforms. The collaboration not only broadens Saab’s production capacity but also strengthens industrial ties between Sweden and France, particularly in the context of Sweden’s recent NATO accession and France’s declared intent to procure the GlobalEye system.

As global tensions rise and nations seek to modernize their surveillance capabilities, the Saab-Sabena alliance is a timely move that underscores the strategic importance of airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems in contemporary defense architectures.

GlobalEye: A Multi-Domain Surveillance Powerhouse

Technical Capabilities and Platform Design

The GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft is based on Bombardier’s Global 6000/6500 ultra-long-range business jet, offering a flight endurance of over 11 hours and a range exceeding 5,900 nautical miles. At the heart of its surveillance suite is the Erieye Extended Range (ER) radar, an S-band AESA system capable of detecting air targets up to 350 nautical miles and maritime threats like submarine periscopes at 216 nautical miles.

Complementing the Erieye ER is the Leonardo Seaspray 7500E maritime radar, which uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and inverse SAR for high-resolution sea-surface imaging. An electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) system provides real-time visual tracking, while optional signals intelligence (SIGINT) modules allow for electronic and communications intelligence gathering.

The aircraft’s command-and-control system is NATO-compatible, enabling seamless data sharing across air, land, and maritime forces. The modular design of the GlobalEye also allows for future upgrades and role customization, making it suitable for missions ranging from maritime patrol to electronic warfare.

“GlobalEye delivers unmatched situational awareness across domains, a critical advantage in hybrid warfare scenarios.” — Micael Johansson, CEO of Saab

Operational History and Market Adoption

Saab’s AEW&C journey began in the 1980s with the Erieye radar, initially deployed on Saab 340 and Embraer R-99 platforms. The GlobalEye represents a generational leap forward, first unveiled in 2016 and adopted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the launch customer. The UAE initially ordered two aircraft in 2015, later expanding to five due to operational success.

Sweden followed suit, signing a contract in 2022 for two GlobalEyes with options for two more, one of which was exercised in 2024. France has now declared its intent to procure two aircraft, aligning with its 2024–2030 military programming law focused on enhancing aerial surveillance capabilities. Other countries evaluating or procuring the system include Canada, South Korea, Finland, and Norway.

This growing customer base signals a broader shift toward multi-domain ISR platforms that can operate in contested environments and provide real-time intelligence across different theaters of operation.

Competitive Landscape and Differentiation

GlobalEye competes directly with platforms like Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail, which is based on the Boeing 737 and used by the U.S., UK, and NATO. While the E-7 features Northrop Grumman’s MESA radar with a 200+ nautical mile range, GlobalEye offers cost advantages and multi-domain versatility.

For instance, a used Bombardier Global 6000 costs around $23.5 million, compared to over $130 million for a new Boeing 737. This price differential, coupled with GlobalEye’s modular architecture and operational flexibility, makes it attractive for countries seeking high-performance ISR without the logistical and financial burden of larger platforms.

Saab’s recent partnership with General Atomics to develop an unmanned AEW variant based on the MQ-9B also indicates a forward-looking strategy that incorporates manned-unmanned teaming and AI-driven surveillance capabilities.

Sabena technics: A Key Enabler in Scaling Production

Modification Expertise and Technical Contributions

Sabena technics will be responsible for performing complex structural modifications at its Orly, France facility. These modifications include reinforcing the airframe to support the 1-ton Erieye ER radar, installing electronic warfare pods on the wingtips, and integrating power and cooling systems for mission-critical equipment.

The company’s experience in civil and military aircraft maintenance, servicing platforms from Airbus and Boeing, positions it well to handle the technical demands of AEW&C conversion. This collaboration allows Saab to alleviate production bottlenecks at its Linköping, Sweden facility, which previously handled all conversions at a rate of three aircraft per year.

By decentralizing production, Saab can meet increasing global demand more efficiently while also fulfilling industrial offset obligations, particularly in France where local involvement is a key procurement criterion.

“Sabena technics’ expertise enables us to scale production while maintaining the technical rigor required for GlobalEye’s complex modifications.” — Lars Tossman, Head of Saab Aeronautics

Economic and Strategic Implications

Sabena technics, with annual revenues of approximately $814.7 million, stands to benefit significantly from this high-value defense contract. The partnership diversifies its portfolio beyond civil aviation and positions it as a key player in Europe’s defense industrial base.

For Saab, the agreement supports its goal of capturing a significant share of the $19.43 billion global airborne radar market, projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6% through 2030. Recent contracts, including a $240 million deal with Sweden and a $190 million support agreement with the UAE, highlight the platform’s growing footprint.

France’s potential $560 million order and Canada’s $4 billion AEW&C replacement program offer further opportunities, especially given the GlobalEye’s Canadian-built airframe and NATO interoperability.

Regional Security and Future Integration

Saab is actively promoting a pooled Nordic GlobalEye fleet to enhance surveillance over the Baltic Sea and Arctic regions. This initiative would offer a 30% cost reduction compared to individual national solutions, according to Saab Surveillance CMO Fredrik Follin.

Sweden’s three GlobalEyes, designated S 106, will replace older Saab 340 AEW&C aircraft, some of which have been transferred to Ukraine. Finland and Norway are also evaluating the platform, indicating a potential regional network of interoperable AEW&C assets.

Looking ahead, Saab plans to integrate AI-driven data fusion and enhance radar capabilities to detect hypersonic threats. Naval integration is also on the horizon, with GlobalEye potentially serving as a command hub for unmanned surface vessels and maritime patrol operations.

Conclusion: A Future-Oriented Alliance in Defense Aerospace

The Saab-Sabena technics agreement represents more than a supply chain expansion, it is a strategic alignment that addresses current and future defense needs. By combining Saab’s sensor and systems expertise with Sabena’s modification capabilities, the partnership ensures that GlobalEye remains a competitive and scalable solution in the evolving AEW&C market.

As nations prioritize multi-domain awareness, interoperability, and cost-efficiency, GlobalEye’s blend of advanced technology and flexible deployment options positions it as a cornerstone of 21st-century ISR. With procurement decisions pending in France, Canada, and South Korea, the platform’s global footprint is poised to grow even further.

FAQ

What is the GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft?
GlobalEye is a multi-domain Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft developed by Saab, based on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 jet. It combines air, maritime, and land surveillance capabilities.

What role does Sabena technics play in the partnership?
Sabena technics will perform structural modifications on the aircraft at its Orly facility in France, helping Saab meet rising demand for the GlobalEye platform.

Which countries are currently operating or considering GlobalEye?
The UAE, Sweden, and potentially France and Canada are among the countries operating or evaluating the GlobalEye for their ISR needs.

How does GlobalEye compare to Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail?
GlobalEye offers multi-domain capabilities and lower operating costs, making it a flexible and cost-effective alternative to the E-7, especially for smaller or budget-conscious defense forces.

Sources: Saab, Defense News, FlightGlobal, Janes, Sabena technics