The key facts

  • Saab has shown the first GlobalEye for Sweden; the aircraft has not yet been delivered to the customer — checks, testing and its first flight are still ahead
  • GlobalEye combines long-range radar surveillance, target detection and coordination of military operations, gathering data on the air, land and maritime situation
  • Sweden ordered two GlobalEye under the 2022 contract and a third in 2024, for a total of three aircraft

First GlobalEye for Sweden presented but not delivered

Saab has demonstrated the first GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft intended for Sweden. As reported, the aircraft has not yet been handed over to the customer: it must undergo checks and testing, after which it will make its first flight, and only then is delivery to the Swedish side planned.

Capabilities of the system

GlobalEye combines long-range radar surveillance, target detection and coordination of military operations. The system gathers information on the situation in the air, on land and at sea, helping command see the overall picture. The aircraft is designed to detect and track activity across vast areas, and the data obtained from it is used for timely response to threats, planning of operations and coordination of forces.

Sweden's goals and order history

With these aircraft, Sweden intends to strengthen its ability to monitor national airspace and adjacent maritime directions. According to AviTrader, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration signed its first contract with Saab in 2022: it provided for the delivery of two GlobalEye and the option to subsequently order additional aircraft. In 2024, a third aircraft was ordered — thus, the total number of GlobalEye for Sweden has reached three.