Summary
- Saab signs contract for a third GlobalEye aircraft for Sweden, worth SEK 2.6 billion.
- GlobalEye provides real-time information to air forces, armies, and navies, enhancing situational awareness and threat detection.
- Sweden donates two older AWACS aircraft to Ukraine, strengthening their air defense capabilities.
The Swedish defense contractor Saab announced on June 27 that it had signed a contract with the Swedish Defense Material Administration to deliver a third GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft (AWACS) to Sweden. The advanced GlobalEye is built on the Bombardier Global 6000 long-range business jet and has also been exported to the UAE. Several other countries, including Canada, France, and Greece, are considering purchasing the GlobalEye.
Sweden purchases third GlobalEye
Saab stated that the deal to supply a third GlobalEye (Swedish designation S 106) is worth SEK 2.6 billion, or around $245 million. It also stated that the delivery period is 2024 to 2029. The order is based on an option included in an earlier contract signed in June 2022. That contract provided for the delivery of two GlobalEye aircraft with the option of two more.
Photo: Saab
“We are proud to contribute to Sweden’s defence with another GlobalEye aircraft, which will provide unique situational awareness of the surroundings as well the capability of early detection and warning of potential threats in the air, at sea or on land.” – Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab
Saab states that GlobalEye provides real-time information to units in air forces, armies, and navies. It is designed to be the eyes and ears of the air force, providing enhanced situational awareness of the surrounding areas and detecting threats early.
The United States Air Force’s primary AWACS aircraft is the iconic E-3 Sentry, which has a large rotating disc mounted on top (the US Air Force has around 32 in service). The US Air Force is in the process of replacing the aging E-3 Sentries with the more modern Boeing E-7 Wedgetails.
Related
Recap: Which Military Aircraft Have Been Sent Or Pledged To Ukraine?
Ukraine has received or been pledged over 100 fighter jets from Western allies, including Soviet-era and Western-built fighter jets.
Sweden donates older AWACS to Ukraine
The news comes weeks after a surprise announcement that the Swedes pledged their two existing AWACS aircraft (Swedish designation ASC 890) to Ukraine. Sweden acknowledged in the announcement that it would create a temporary gap in its capabilities but that it was a necessary and justified move. F-16 fighter jets are expected to arrive in Ukraine soon, and the AWACS aircraft are expected to be a significant force multiplier for the jets.
The Swedish government stated, “Today, 29 May, the Government is presenting its 16th and largest military support package to Ukraine to date since Russia’s full-scale invasion began. Sweden will provide Ukraine with a completely new capability to strengthen its collective air defence.”
Photo: Saab
Sweden was neutral for around 250 years, but it abandoned its neutrality and joined NATO in the wake of the Full-Scale Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Previously, without any treaty allies, Sweden developed a robust and somewhat independent defense industry. Sweden is one of the smallest countries in the world to develop and produce a multirole fighter jet (called the Saab JAS 39 Gripen).