France has signed a $1.34 billion agreement with Saab to procure two GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, marking a major step in replacing its aging E-3F Sentry fleet and modernizing national airborne surveillance capabilities. The acquisition strengthens France’s contribution to NATO-aligned early warning and situational awareness across Europe and adjacent regions.
The contract, finalized on December 30, 2025, by France’s procurement authority, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), is valued at SEK 12.3 billion and includes ground support systems, aircrew training, and long-term sustainment. Deliveries are planned between 2029 and 2032, with an option for two additional aircraft, providing flexibility to expand capacity as regional threat dynamics evolve.
Saab’s GlobalEye platform integrates the Erieye Extended Range (ER) radar with a multi-sensor mission suite aboard the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 long-range business jet. The Erieye ER radar, based on gallium nitride (GaN) AESA technology, offers an instrumented detection range exceeding 550 kilometers and delivers high-fidelity tracking of low-observable, low-altitude, and high-speed targets. Its fixed dorsal antenna enables rapid revisit rates and near-continuous coverage across most of the surrounding airspace.
Beyond airborne surveillance, GlobalEye incorporates maritime and ground-domain sensors, including a maritime surveillance radar, electro-optical and infrared sensors, signals intelligence systems, and automatic identification receivers. This multi-domain fusion capability allows operators to detect and classify both conventional and asymmetric threats in congested operational environments. Saab’s open-system architecture also enables future upgrades, aligning with French requirements for adaptability and long-term relevance.
