NATO is reportedly preparing to overhaul its airborne surveillance capabilities by selecting a next-generation system developed by Saab and Bombardier, marking a potential break from decades of reliance on Boeing aircraft.
According to European media reports, the alliance is considering the GlobalEye advanced surveillance system as a replacement for its aging fleet of Boeing E-3A Sentry airborne warning and control system aircraft, which have been in service since the 1980s and are expected to retire shortly after 2035.
While NATO has not officially confirmed the decision, officials acknowledged that efforts are ongoing to modernize the alliance’s airborne early warning capabilities with support from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.
The GlobalEye system combines Saab’s cutting-edge radar and surveillance technology with a Bombardier business jet platform, offering long-range detection across air, sea, and land domains. The aircraft is also designed for extended missions of more than 11 hours, with improved efficiency and reduced crew fatigue compared to older systems.
If selected, the move would represent a significant strategic shift, as NATO’s surveillance fleet has historically been dominated by Boeing platforms. The alliance had previously considered the Boeing E-7A Wedgetail as a replacement, but those plans were abandoned after the U.S. Air Force pivoted toward space-based surveillance technologies.
The potential deal would also provide a boost to Canada’s aerospace sector, given Bombardier’s role in supplying the aircraft platform, and reflects a broader diversification of defense procurement among NATO allies.
Saab confirmed it has provided information to NATO but said no contract has been signed. The GlobalEye system is already in use by countries including the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, and France.
As NATO evaluates its next-generation surveillance needs, the decision could reshape the alliance’s defense capabilities and signal a new era in military technology procurement beyond traditional suppliers.