This article is based on an official press release from Saab, supplemented by industry research.

Saab and CAE Expand Partnership as Canada Selects GlobalEye for AEW&C Program

On May 27, 2026, Swedish defense contractor Saab and Canadian simulation leader CAE announced a strategic teaming agreement to jointly deliver Canada’s future Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capabilities. According to a company press release, the partnership centers on Saab’s GlobalEye platform and integrates CAE’s advanced training and simulation solutions into the offering.

The announcement coincides with a major procurement update from the Canadian government. Speaking at the CANSEC defense trade show, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr named Saab as the “preferred supplier” for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) new AEW&C fleet.

This preferred supplier designation marks the final step before a formal acquisition contract, signaling a significant shift in Canada’s defense procurement strategy. By selecting the GlobalEye, a system integrating Swedish radar technology on a Canadian-built airframe, the government aims to modernize its Arctic and maritime surveillance while boosting domestic aerospace industries.

The Saab and CAE Teaming Agreement

Comprehensive Training Integration

Under the newly announced agreement, CAE will provide fully integrated and scalable training solutions for the GlobalEye platform. This encompasses flight training, mission training, and rear crew training, ensuring RCAF personnel are fully prepared to operate the advanced surveillance systems.

This Canada-specific collaboration builds upon a broader Global Cooperation Agreement signed between the two companies in November 2025. That prior agreement established CAE as Saab’s preferred global partner for AEW&C training. Moving forward, the companies plan to explore further integration, including mission system support and Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training environments tailored specifically to the Canadian Armed Forces’ operational requirements.

“CAE’s world-class defence expertise will be critical to enabling a high-performance AEW&C capability for Canada,” stated Matthew Bromberg, President and CEO of CAE, in the joint press release. “Building on our longstanding collaboration and trust with Saab, this agreement reflects our shared commitment to delivering innovative, integrated solutions.”

The GlobalEye Platform and Canada’s Strategic Shift

A “Made in Canada” Synergy

The GlobalEye system represents a unique synergy of international technology and domestic manufacturing. The platform is built upon the Bombardier Global 6500 business jet, an aircraft manufactured in Canada. This foundational tie to the Canadian aerospace sector aligns closely with the government’s “BUILD–PARTNER–BUY” approach to defense procurement.

Equipped with Saab’s Erieye Extended Range radar and a multi-domain Command and Control (C2) system, the GlobalEye is designed for simultaneous long-range detection across air, maritime, and land domains. According to Saab, the system is specifically engineered to operate in high-clutter and heavy jamming environments, making it highly suitable for Canada’s diverse and challenging geography.

“GlobalEye offers proven capability for the Royal Canadian Air Force, sovereign ownership for Canada and comprehensive and skilled work for Canadian industry,” noted Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

Enhancing NORAD and Arctic Defense

The primary operational goal of the AEW&C project is to equip the RCAF with the ability to detect and track long-range threats, including stealth aircraft, drones, and hypersonic missiles. Given Canada’s 243,000 kilometers of coastline, the longest in the world, and its vast Arctic territories, this capability is critical for maintaining national sovereignty and fulfilling the country’s commitments to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Economic and Industrial Impact

Domestic Growth and Technology Transfer

The selection of Saab as the preferred supplier carries substantial economic implications for Canada. Saab has committed to building, maintaining, and upgrading the Canadian GlobalEye fleet in collaboration with a team of domestic partners, prominently including Bombardier and CAE.

According to industry research surrounding the announcement, the procurement agreement promises significant knowledge and technology transfer to Canada. This includes investments in domestic research and development, as well as the creation of highly skilled jobs focused on missionization work and technology integration.

AirPro News analysis

We view Canada’s pivot toward the Saab GlobalEye as a bold diversification of its defense supply chain. Historically, Canada has relied heavily on American defense contractors, such as Boeing, for heavy-duty military aviation and airborne surveillance. By opting for a Swedish-designed system integrated into a domestic airframe, Ottawa is asserting a higher degree of procurement independence and prioritizing sovereign control over its Arctic monitoring capabilities.

Furthermore, this decision arrives at a critical juncture for global AEW&C markets. With NATO actively seeking replacements for its aging fleet of Boeing E-3 AWACS, Canada’s selection of the GlobalEye serves as a high-profile endorsement. It positions the Saab platform as a top-tier, modern alternative in international defense circles, potentially influencing future allied procurement decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GlobalEye?
The GlobalEye is an advanced Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system developed by Saab. It features the Erieye Extended Range radar mounted on a Canadian-built Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, capable of multi-domain surveillance.

What is CAE’s role in the Canadian AEW&C program?
CAE will provide comprehensive training solutions, including flight, mission, and rear crew training, as part of a strategic teaming agreement with Saab to support the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Has Canada officially purchased the GlobalEye?
As of May 27, 2026, Canada has named Saab as the “preferred supplier” and entered into formal negotiations. While this is not yet a finalized procurement contract, it is the final step before a formal acquisition.

Sources: Saab Press Release