France Selects Saab GlobalEye AEW&C to Boost Strategic Airborne Surveillance Capability
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According to information released by the French Ministry of Armed Forces and Swedish manufacturer Saab on June 18, 2025, France has formally declared its intention to acquire two Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, with an option for two additional platforms. The declaration of intent, signed during the Paris Air Show 2025 held from June 16 to 22, marks a significant step in the modernization of the French Air and Space Force’s airborne surveillance and command capabilities. Although the contract has not yet been finalized, the French defense procurement agency (DGA) stated that a notification process is underway and that a formal agreement is expected to be signed in the coming months.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Designed to operate in contested environments with persistent electromagnetic interference threats, the GlobalEye has a radar range exceeding 650 km and a flight endurance of more than 13 hours, allowing it to monitor large areas in a single mission. (Picture source: Saab)
This decision comes in response to the aging of France’s four Boeing E-3F Sentry aircraft, which have been in service since the early 1990s and are increasingly expensive to maintain. Several replacement options had been considered, including the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, adopted by the United Kingdom and NATO but questioned by U.S. defense authorities. The Swedish GlobalEye system was ultimately selected based on its technological maturity and multi-domain capabilities. Based on the Canadian Bombardier Global 6000 or 6500 airframe, the platform is equipped with the Erieye ER active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, complemented by the Leonardo SeaSpray 7500E maritime radar, a FLIR Star SAFIRE 380-HD electro-optical turret, and a ground moving target indication (GMTI) function.
Designed to operate in contested environments with persistent electromagnetic interference threats, the GlobalEye has a radar range exceeding 650 km and a flight endurance of more than 13 hours, allowing it to monitor large areas in a single mission. The system integrates data from multiple sensors in real time, providing a comprehensive operational picture to joint command centers and enhancing the French military’s tactical and strategic responsiveness. Saab also announced a framework agreement with French company Sabena Technics to handle local modification and support, indicating an intent to integrate the platform into the French defense industrial base.
The selection of the GlobalEye definitively excludes Dassault Aviation’s proposal to base a national solution on its Falcon 10X platform. Dassault CEO Éric Trappier had voiced concerns about the preference given to a foreign platform, arguing that French industry already possesses the required expertise. Nevertheless, the DGA opted for a system that is already operationally available, has demonstrated capabilities, and was trialed in France in April 2024 at Air Base 118 Mont-de-Marsan, which serves as the Air and Space Force’s testing and evaluation center.
Beyond the GlobalEye acquisition, this decision aligns with a broader strategy of enhanced Franco-Swedish defense cooperation. On the same day, France and Sweden signed a joint declaration of intent covering several areas, including the Akeron MP, Meteor, and Aster missiles, as well as naval systems. The selection of the GlobalEye reflects a broader political and industrial aim to establish a European base of competence in strategic surveillance capabilities.
France is initiating a pivotal transition in its airborne surveillance and command capability renewal by selecting a proven and interoperable system that meets the operational demands of modern conflict environments. The program reinforces national strategic autonomy and reflects growing alignment with European partners on issues of technological and industrial sovereignty.
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According to information released by the French Ministry of Armed Forces and Swedish manufacturer Saab on June 18, 2025, France has formally declared its intention to acquire two Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, with an option for two additional platforms. The declaration of intent, signed during the Paris Air Show 2025 held from June 16 to 22, marks a significant step in the modernization of the French Air and Space Force’s airborne surveillance and command capabilities. Although the contract has not yet been finalized, the French defense procurement agency (DGA) stated that a notification process is underway and that a formal agreement is expected to be signed in the coming months.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Designed to operate in contested environments with persistent electromagnetic interference threats, the GlobalEye has a radar range exceeding 650 km and a flight endurance of more than 13 hours, allowing it to monitor large areas in a single mission. (Picture source: Saab)
This decision comes in response to the aging of France’s four Boeing E-3F Sentry aircraft, which have been in service since the early 1990s and are increasingly expensive to maintain. Several replacement options had been considered, including the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail, adopted by the United Kingdom and NATO but questioned by U.S. defense authorities. The Swedish GlobalEye system was ultimately selected based on its technological maturity and multi-domain capabilities. Based on the Canadian Bombardier Global 6000 or 6500 airframe, the platform is equipped with the Erieye ER active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, complemented by the Leonardo SeaSpray 7500E maritime radar, a FLIR Star SAFIRE 380-HD electro-optical turret, and a ground moving target indication (GMTI) function.
Designed to operate in contested environments with persistent electromagnetic interference threats, the GlobalEye has a radar range exceeding 650 km and a flight endurance of more than 13 hours, allowing it to monitor large areas in a single mission. The system integrates data from multiple sensors in real time, providing a comprehensive operational picture to joint command centers and enhancing the French military’s tactical and strategic responsiveness. Saab also announced a framework agreement with French company Sabena Technics to handle local modification and support, indicating an intent to integrate the platform into the French defense industrial base.
The selection of the GlobalEye definitively excludes Dassault Aviation’s proposal to base a national solution on its Falcon 10X platform. Dassault CEO Éric Trappier had voiced concerns about the preference given to a foreign platform, arguing that French industry already possesses the required expertise. Nevertheless, the DGA opted for a system that is already operationally available, has demonstrated capabilities, and was trialed in France in April 2024 at Air Base 118 Mont-de-Marsan, which serves as the Air and Space Force’s testing and evaluation center.
Beyond the GlobalEye acquisition, this decision aligns with a broader strategy of enhanced Franco-Swedish defense cooperation. On the same day, France and Sweden signed a joint declaration of intent covering several areas, including the Akeron MP, Meteor, and Aster missiles, as well as naval systems. The selection of the GlobalEye reflects a broader political and industrial aim to establish a European base of competence in strategic surveillance capabilities.
France is initiating a pivotal transition in its airborne surveillance and command capability renewal by selecting a proven and interoperable system that meets the operational demands of modern conflict environments. The program reinforces national strategic autonomy and reflects growing alignment with European partners on issues of technological and industrial sovereignty.
