This article is based on an official press release from Saab AB.

France Selects Saab GlobalEye for Strategic Air Surveillance in €1 Billion Deal

In a decisive move reinforcing European defense sovereignty, the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) has officially placed an order for two GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft from Swedish defense and security company Saab. The contract, valued at approximately SEK 12.3 billion (€1.08 billion), marks a significant pivot for the French Air and Space Force as it prepares to retire its aging fleet of Boeing E-3F Sentry AWACS.

According to the official press release issued by Saab on December 30, 2025, the agreement includes a firm order for two systems with an option to procure two additional aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2029 and conclude by 2032. This procurement not only modernizes France’s aerial surveillance capabilities but also underscores a deepening strategic partnership between Paris and Stockholm, prioritizing European industrial solutions over traditional American alternatives.

Contract Details and Delivery Timeline

The agreement outlines a comprehensive acquisition plan designed to seamlessly replace France’s legacy systems. The total contract value of SEK 12.3 billion covers the aircraft, systems integration, and initial logistical support. The French government has opted for a phased delivery approach to ensure operational continuity.

• Firm Order: 2 GlobalEye aircraft.
• Options: 2 additional aircraft.
• Delivery Window: 2029 through 2032.
• Platform: Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, highlighted the significance of the deal in a company statement:

“By selecting GlobalEye, France is investing in a highly modern and capable Airborne Early Warning & Control solution. This choice reinforces France’s commitment to sovereignty and strengthens Europe’s overall protection.”

Technical Capabilities: A Multi-Domain Asset

The GlobalEye system represents a generational leap in surveillance technology compared to the E-3F Sentry, which has been in service since 1991. Built upon the ultra-long-range Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet, the platform offers superior endurance, capable of flight times exceeding 11 hours, and a significantly smaller logistical footprint than airliner-based systems.

Advanced Sensor Suite

At the heart of the GlobalEye is the Erieye ER (Extended Range) radar. This S-band Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar provides wide-area coverage and is capable of detecting targets at ranges greater than 650 kilometers. Unlike traditional AWACS platforms that focus primarily on aerial threats, the GlobalEye is a “swing-role” asset designed for multi-domain operations.

According to technical specifications released by Saab, the system can simultaneously monitor:

• Air: Tracking stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.
• Sea: Detecting surface vessels and periscopes, a critical requirement for France’s maritime interests in the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific.
• Land: Monitoring ground vehicle movements at long ranges.

Strategic Autonomy and Industrial Cooperation

France’s decision to procure the Swedish-made GlobalEye rather than the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, which has been selected by NATO allies including the UK and the USA, signals a strong commitment to “strategic autonomy.” By choosing a European solution, France mitigates reliance on US-controlled technology and export restrictions (ITAR), ensuring greater operational independence.

To meet French requirements for local industrial participation, Saab has structured the deal to include significant domestic involvement. A framework agreement has been signed with Sabena Technics, a leading French aerospace maintenance provider. Sabena Technics will be responsible for local modifications, systems integration, and long-term support for the fleet, ensuring that sensitive maintenance work remains within French borders.

AirPro News Analysis

This procurement is a watershed moment for the European defense market. For decades, the Boeing E-3 Sentry was the de facto standard for NATO airborne early warning. As fleets age, Boeing’s E-7 Wedgetail was widely expected to inherit that monopoly. However, France’s selection of Saab disrupts this narrative, validating the GlobalEye as a top-tier competitor capable of meeting the rigorous demands of a nuclear-armed power.

We observe that this deal is likely to influence other European nations currently assessing their surveillance needs. It demonstrates that European industry can provide viable, high-tech alternatives to US off-the-shelf systems, potentially accelerating a trend toward continental defense consolidation. Furthermore, the operational shift from heavy, airliner-based platforms to agile business jets reflects a broader doctrine prioritizing sensor fusion and connectivity over airframe size.

Sources

Sources: Saab AB Press Release