Saab receives GlobalEye order from undisclosed Middle East customer
An undisclosed Middle East customer has ordered two GlobalEye aircraft to be delivered in 2030. (Saab)
Saab has received an order for its GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft from an undisclosed Middle East customer.
The Swedish manufacturer announced the SEK10.1 billion (USD1.03 billion) order for two aircraft on 27 July 2026, saying only that deliveries will take place in 2030.
“Due to the nature of the industry, circumstances concerning the customer and national security interests, no further information regarding this order or the customer will be provided,” Saab said.
The GlobalEye is built around the Saab Erieye Extended Range (ER) radar that is housed in the same external dorsal ‘plank' as the company's original Erieye system. Equipped with gallium nitride and other technologies, the Erieye ER is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) system that doubles the radar's power efficiency compared with previous Erieye iterations.
The system has a range in excess of 650 km, which can be extended by focusing the radar's energy. “GlobalEye detects targets by providing long-range and low-signature detection at a high-update frequency - from low observable, stealthy threats, to drones, ballistic and hypersonic missiles in high clutter and jamming environments,” Saab said. Performance figures disclosed by Saab give the GlobalEye an endurance of more than 13 hours, and a top speed of 450 kt.
The GlobalEye is in service with the United Arab Emirates, and while that country has been guarded about the information it releases about its programme, follow-on sales have been publicised and so this latest Middle East sale is likely for a new customer.
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
