Canada has selected Saab as the preferred supplier of the country's future Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability through the GlobalEye system. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Mark Carney at the CANSEC defence and security exhibition in Ottawa.
No contract has yet been signed, but according to Saab, detailed discussions and formal negotiations will now begin with the Canadian authorities.
In a press release, Saab states that the company has offered Canada the opportunity to build, maintain, and upgrade a future GlobalEye fleet together with Canadian industry partners. The plan also includes investments in research and development in Canada, as well as the transfer of technology and expertise to the domestic defence industry.
"We welcome Canada's announcement to enter into discussions with Saab as the preferred supplier of Canada's future airborne early warning and control capability. GlobalEye offers proven capability for the Royal Canadian Air Force, sovereign ownership for Canada, and relevant work for the country's industry," says Saab's President and Chief Executive Officer Micael Johansson in the press release.
GlobalEye is based on the Canadian-manufactured business jet Bombardier Global 6500 and combines Saab's Erieye Extended Range radar with multiple sensors and a command and control system for air, maritime, and ground surveillance.
According to the Canadian government, the programme is expected to support around 3,000 jobs within the Canadian aerospace and defence industry. Prime Minister Mark Carney also states that at least one third of the expected future GlobalEye fleet will be built in Canada over the next 15 years, corresponding to at least 40 aircraft including orders from allied nations.
"The government's first duty is to keep Canadians safe. The GlobalEye acquisition helps us secure our northern region while building our economy," says Mark Carney in a statement.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson also commented on the announcement on X.
"Canada has decided to proceed with Saab GlobalEye as its new airborne early warning and control capability. I look forward to welcoming Canada to the GlobalEye family," writes Ulf Kristersson.
He also highlights the system's significance for NATO and the Arctic.
"By using GlobalEye, Canada strengthens its ability to protect its sovereignty while contributing to NATO's collective defence, including as a key asset for surveillance and control of the Arctic region," the Prime Minister continues.
If negotiations lead to a contract, Canada will become the fourth country to select GlobalEye, after Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, and France. Nordic Defence Sector reported in December 2025 that France had ordered two GlobalEye systems from Saab at a value of approximately 12.3 billion Swedish kronor, with an option for two additional aircraft.
GlobalEye is developed to detect and track targets at long range across multiple domains simultaneously, including difficult-to-detect targets such as drones, stealth platforms, and ballistic and hypersonic missiles.