Canada selects GlobalEye for future AEW&C requirement

Having announced its selection of the type, Canada will now enter into detailed negotiations with Saab for the procurement of the GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft. (Saab)

Canada has selected the Saab GlobalEye for its future airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) requirement.

Announced by the prime ministers of Canada and Sweden at the CANSEC defence and security show in Ottawa on 27 May 2026, the selection will see both countries now enter into detailed negotiations for an undisclosed number of aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). No timeline for an anticipated contract was disclosed.

“Canada has initiated negotiations for the acquisition of Saab's advanced aerial detection and control platform. This new system will help the Canadian Armed Forces detect and deter threats in the Arctic, while also supporting more than 3,000 jobs in Canada, both in specialised trades and in the fields of engineering and technology,” Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, said.

“By operating GlobalEye, Canada strengthens its ability to safeguard [its] sovereignty while contributing to NATO's collective defence, including being a vital asset for surveillance and control of the Arctic region. As the GlobalEye is based on the Canadian Bombardier Global 6500 platform, GlobalEye is already creating jobs in Canada, and working with the Canadian supply chain,” Prime Minister of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson, said.