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Sweden starts process to buy Saab’s GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft

Saab GlobalEye AEW&C
Photo: Saab

The Swedish Armed Forces have submitted an official request to the government to begin the acquisition of new radar reconnaissance and command aircraft.

As disclosed by the country’s defense ministry, the request to buy Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning & control aircraft (AEW&C) was submitted on October 1.

The aircraft manufactured by Saab consists of the Erieye extended range radar and other sensors carried by the ultra-long range Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.

Sweden’s defense ministry noted that the purchase of new radar reconnaissance and command aircraft had been previously budgeted, adding that the formal request marks the start of the purchase process.

“This is a system that raises our ability significantly. There is economy in the equipment procurement plan and we will acquire the system as soon as the conditions allow,” Swedish Air Force Lieutenant General Johan Svensson said.

Sweden’s air force currently has two S100D radar reconnaissance and control aircraft that are used extensively and will need to be replaced in the coming years.

Should the purchase of the GlobalEye be approved, Sweden would become the second operator of the aircraft. Saab is already delivering five GlobalEyes to the United Arab Emirates ordered under three separate contracts from 2015, 2017 and 2021.

GlobalEye provides air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single solution.