20. November 2025

Nato Abandons Boeing Plan Amid Globaleye Opportunity

The Future of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) Capabilities: How Saab’s GlobalEye is Poised to Fill a Gap Left by NATO Allies

In a recent development that has sent shockwaves through the defense industry, NATO allies have thrown out plans to acquire six Boeing E-7A Wedgetail AEW&C aircraft, leaving Swedish firm Saab CEO Micael Johansson with a golden opportunity to push his company’s GlobalEye platform as an alternative. The shift in thinking is attributed to NATO’s apparent change in stance on the operational value of the GlobalEye, which was previously deemed unworthy of consideration two years ago.

According to Johansson, NATO has taken a more progressive approach to evaluating the capabilities of the GlobalEye, with Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) concluding that it can fill a strategic gap if utilized properly. This newfound enthusiasm is largely due to the retirement of the E-3 Sentry fleet, which has left a significant void in the AEW&C market.

“We’re not there yet,” Johansson noted during an interview at the Berlin Security Conference, “but apparently, SHAPE supports that this [GlobalEye] can actually fill a gap.” He expressed his optimism about Saab’s platform being selected as an alternative to the E-7A, highlighting its potential to meet NATO’s operational target of 2031 for the E-3 successor, or earlier.

The GlobalEye, modified from Bombardier’s Global 6000/6500 business jet line, is produced at Saab’s Gothenburg facility. To support production and modification efforts, the company has partnered with French aviation maintenance and modification provider Sabena Technics. This partnership will enable Saab to deliver more aircrafts per year from its Swedish hub.

GlobalEye is not without competition, however, as L3Harris also seeks to secure a new iAFSC (Allied Future Surveillance and Control) contract. The fate of this effort remains unclear, with NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency playing a pivotal role in reshaping or recompeting the initiative in the aftermath of allies walking away from the E-7.

Saab is eyeing two potential customers in Germany and Canada, with German defense minister Boris Pistorius reportedly placing GlobalEye in “pole position” to secure an order. However, Johansson noted that it remains uncertain whether Germany will acquire a national asset or opt for joining the common allied procurement under iAFSC.

In Canada, Ottawa has expressed interest in an AEW&C program, with Saab providing information on its capabilities. This interest, while not yet formalized, presents an opportunity for GlobalEye to establish itself as a viable option for NATO allies.

The recent announcement of Saab’s partnership with BAE Systems and Boeing to jointly pitch the T-7 trainer to the UK is seen as a strategic move by Johansson, who called it “a really sensible solution.” He highlighted the benefits of having another hub, specifically BAE Systems’ facility in England, performing final assembly and testing in the UK.

Saab’s commitment to delivering GlobalEye platforms has been demonstrated through its production schedule, with the company investing in increasing production rates from its Swedish hub. This effort will enable Saab to meet NATO’s operational targets more effectively.

The shift in NATO’s stance on the GlobalEye has significant implications for the defense industry, particularly given the platform’s proven capabilities in various military scenarios. With SHAPE supporting its operational value and a potential production partnership with Sabena Technics, Saab is well-positioned to capitalize on this new opportunity.

In conclusion, the rejection of the E-7A Wedgetail plan by NATO allies has opened doors for Saab’s GlobalEye platform to take center stage as an alternative AEW&C solution. The company’s commitment to delivering more aircrafts per year from its Swedish hub and its potential partnership with Sabena Technics demonstrate a proactive approach to meeting NATO’s operational targets.

As the global defense landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to observe how Saab’s GlobalEye platform fares in the coming months and years. With its proven capabilities, strategic partnerships, and commitment to increasing production rates, Saab is poised to capitalize on this new opportunity and establish itself as a leading player in the AEW&C market.

The future of airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities hangs in the balance, with NATO’s decision to reject the E-7A Wedgetail plan sparking a shift in thinking that may ultimately benefit Saab’s GlobalEye platform. As the defense industry continues to navigate this evolving landscape, one thing is clear: the GlobalEye is an option worth considering for those seeking a reliable and effective AEW&C solution.

In light of this new development, it remains to be seen how NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency will reshape or recompete the iAFSC initiative in the aftermath of allies walking away from the E-7. However, with SHAPE supporting the operational value of GlobalEye and Saab’s commitment to delivering more aircrafts per year from its Swedish hub, it is clear that this platform is a viable option for those seeking an AEW&C solution.

The partnership between Saab, BAE Systems, and Boeing to jointly pitch the T-7 trainer to the UK presents a strategic move by Johansson, who highlighted the benefits of having another hub performing final assembly and testing in the UK. This partnership demonstrates Saab’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of NATO allies.

As the defense industry continues to evolve, it will be essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant and adaptable. With global events unfolding at an unprecedented pace, it is clear that the future of airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities will be shaped by a complex interplay of technological advancements, shifting alliances, and evolving operational requirements.

In this context, Saab’s GlobalEye platform stands out as a viable option for those seeking a reliable and effective AEW&C solution. With its proven capabilities, strategic partnerships, and commitment to increasing production rates, Saab is well-positioned to capitalize on the new opportunity presented by NATO’s shift in thinking on the operational value of the GlobalEye.

Ultimately, the future of airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities will depend on the decisions made by NATO allies in the coming months and years. With Saab’s GlobalEye platform poised to take center stage as an alternative AEW&C solution, it remains to be seen whether this platform will emerge as a leading player in the market.

However, one thing is clear: the shift in NATO’s stance on the operational value of the GlobalEye has significant implications for the defense industry, particularly given the platform’s proven capabilities in various military scenarios. As the global landscape continues to evolve, it will be essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant and adaptable, capitalizing on new opportunities as they arise.

In this rapidly changing environment, Saab’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions stands out. With its partnership with BAE Systems and Boeing to jointly pitch the T-7 trainer to the UK, Johansson demonstrated a proactive approach to meeting NATO’s operational targets.

As the defense industry navigates this evolving landscape, it is clear that the future of airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities will depend on the decisions made by stakeholders in the coming months and years. With Saab’s GlobalEye platform poised to take center stage as an alternative AEW&C solution, it remains to be seen whether this platform will emerge as a leading player in the market.

However, one thing is clear: the shift in NATO’s stance on the operational value of the GlobalEye has significant implications for the defense industry, particularly given the platform’s proven capabilities in various military scenarios. With Saab’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions, it remains to be seen whether this platform will emerge as a leading player in the market.

In light of this new development, it is essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant and adaptable, capitalizing on new opportunities as they arise. With Saab’s GlobalEye platform standing out as a viable option for those seeking an AEW&C solution, it remains to be seen whether this platform will emerge as a leading player in the market.

However, one thing is clear: the shift in NATO’s stance on the operational value of the GlobalEye has significant implications for the defense industry, particularly given the platform’s proven capabilities in various military scenarios. With Saab’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions, it remains to be seen whether this platform will emerge as a leading player in the market.

As the global landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant and adaptable, capitalizing on new opportunities as they arise. With Saab’s GlobalEye platform poised to take center stage as an alternative AEW&C solution, it remains to be seen whether this platform will emerge as a leading player in the market.

Ultimately, the future of airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities will depend on the decisions made by NATO allies in the coming months and years. With Saab’s GlobalEye platform standing out as a viable option for those seeking an AEW&C solution, it remains to be seen whether this platform will emerge as a leading player in the market.

However, one thing is clear: the shift in NATO’s stance on the operational value of the GlobalEye has significant implications for the defense industry, particularly given the platform’s proven capabilities in various military scenarios. With Saab’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions, it remains to be seen whether this platform will emerge as a leading player in the market.

With the future of airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capabilities hanging in the balance, it remains essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant and adaptable. As Saab’s GlobalEye platform stands out as a viable option for those seeking an AEW&C solution, it will be crucial to assess its potential and capitalize on new opportunities as they arise.

In this rapidly changing environment, Saab’s partnership with BAE Systems and Boeing to jointly pitch the T-7 trainer to the UK presents a strategic move by Johansson. Demonstrating a proactive approach to meeting NATO’s operational targets, this partnership highlights the benefits of having another hub performing final assembly and testing in the UK.