France has formally declared its intention to procure the GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft from Swedish defense company Saab. The announcement came as the French defence procurement agency, DGA (Direction générale de l'armement), and Saab signed a joint declaration of intent at the Paris Air Show.
The declaration outlines DGA’s plan to acquire two GlobalEye aircraft, along with ground systems, training, and support services. It also includes an option for the procurement of two additional units. While the announcement marks a significant step forward, Saab has not yet received a formal order, and the final contract is expected to be concluded in the coming months.
Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson welcomed the move, emphasizing that the GlobalEye system would enhance France’s threat detection and situational awareness capabilities across air, land, and maritime domains. He highlighted the platform’s role in supporting France’s sovereign airborne early warning capabilities.
GlobalEye combines multiple sensors, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, to provide real-time surveillance over vast distances. Designed for multi-domain operations, the aircraft supports command and control missions by delivering critical intelligence to joint force commanders.