France signals intent to acquire Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft

France is moving closer to acquiring the GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system from Saab, following the signing of a declaration of intent at the Paris Air Show 2025.

The agreement, concluded between Saab and France’s defence procurement agency, the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), outlines France’s intention to procure two GlobalEye aircraft, with an option for two more.

While no formal contract has yet been signed, the DGA has indicated that a procurement agreement is expected to be finalized in the coming months. The deal would also include associated ground equipment, training, and long-term support services.

“We welcome today’s announcement by France about the intention to procure GlobalEye, which will enhance the French Armed Forces’ situational awareness and threat detection across the air, land and sea domains,” said Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson. “Our solution will enable France to maintain full sovereign control of its airborne early warning and control capability.”

The GlobalEye, based on the Bombardier Global Express 6000 business jet, features the Erieye active electronically scanned array radar. This radar can detect and track targets over a range of more than 550 kilometers (341 miles) and can perform early warning and control operations across air, sea, and land domains.

Saab also announced a new framework agreement with Sabena technics, a French provider of aircraft maintenance and modification services. The long-term partnership will cover complex aircraft modification and associated services for the GlobalEye platform.

“This reinforces Saab’s commitment to collaborate with French industry while supporting the expansion of our modification capacity to meet the increasing demand for GlobalEye,” said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area. “Sabena technics has the expertise and experience to provide this support.

The new aircraft will replace the aging fleet of E-3F Sentry AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) aircraft, which have been in service with the French Air Force since 1991 and are stationed at Avord Air Base 702. The E-3F Sentry, an essential asset for detection, control, deterrence, protection, intervention, and command, has a detection range of 400 kilometers and can remain airborne for up to 12 hours.

The GlobalEye is already in service with the United Arab Emirates and was selected by Sweden in 2022. With the potential French order, Saab’s platform continues to gain traction as a next-generation solution for NATO-aligned air forces.The post France signals intent to acquire Saab GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft appeared first on AeroTime.

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